Plug Connector Pull Tape Unlocking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug connectors lack ease of insertion and removal, particularly in designs like the pull tape unlock type cable connector, which can be cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector design featuring an insulative housing with a locking member and a pull tape system, including a horizontal, vertical, and handle portion, where the handle portion allows for horizontal pulling to move the locking member downwards and unlock the connector from a socket connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism is used in plug connectors, then the connector provides secure locking, but the insertion and removal operation becomes difficult and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional vertical pull direction to a horizontal pull direction. The pulling tape is configured to be pulled horizontally from the front of the connector rather than vertically from the top, making the unlocking operation more intuitive and easier to perform while maintaining secure locking through the same mechanical engagement principle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pulling tape as an intermediary element between the user and the locking member. This tape acts as a mediator that transmits the horizontal pulling force to the locking member, enabling easy operation without requiring direct manipulation of the locking mechanism itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a pull tape mechanism is added to enable easy removal, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval easeVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pulling tape with the existing locking member structure. The tape is integrated into the housing and connected to the locking member, combining the functions of structural support and unlocking operation into a unified design rather than adding a completely separate mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulling tape serves multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for unlocking, provides structural guidance through the housing, and transmits force to the locking member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, offsetting the complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11322887B2Plug connector

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 FOXCONN (KUNSHAN) COMPUTER CONNECTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A plug connector includes an insulative housing, a locking member located at an upper end of the insulative housing, and a pulling tape connected with the locking member, wherein the insulative housing includes an insertion member for the pulling tape to pass through, the pull tape includes a horizontal portion connected with the locking member, a handle portion for manual pulling, and a vertical portion located between the horizontal portion and the handle portion, and the handle portion is operable to pull horizontally backwards to move the locking member downwards to unlock the plug connector from a socket connector.