Plug Connector Step Structure for Easier Locked Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of easily removing a plug connector from a receptacle connector has increased due to size reduction and the increase in the number of pins in connector sets, making it difficult to disconnect the two components.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design with a lock mechanism and side portions that allow for easy removal using a tool that interacts with specific surfaces of the housing, facilitating the unlocking and disengagement from the receptacle connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector set is designed to be reusable with a locking mechanism, then reliability of connection is improved, but difficulty of disassembly increases and time required for removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector set is divided into a plug connector and a receptacle connector that can be separated. The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking protrusion on one connector and a locking groove on the other, allowing the connection to be reliable when engaged but separable when the locking force is released. This segmentation enables the connector to transition between locked and unlocked states without permanent attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism employs dynamic elements including a resilient member (spring) that provides automatic locking upon engagement and allows for controlled release. The locking protrusion can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling the connector to adapt between secure connection and easy removal based on operational needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to ensure secure connection, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the basic connector structure rather than being added as a separate complex subsystem. The locking protrusion and groove are integrated into the connector bodies, and the resilient member is incorporated within the existing housing. This merging approach provides stable locking functionality while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the resilient member that automatically engages the locking protrusion with the locking groove upon connector engagement. The spring-loaded design provides automatic locking without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring connection stability.
3Reliability
If connectors are designed for secure attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but time required for removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is pre-loaded to store elastic potential energy that is released during the disengagement process. The locking mechanism is designed so that the locking protrusion is already positioned to be easily ejected from the locking groove when the retaining force is released, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual manipulation during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active force to release the locking mechanism, the design inverts the approach by using the resilient member's stored energy to actively push the locking protrusion out of the groove during disengagement. The normal engagement direction provides locking, while the reverse direction utilizes the pre-loaded spring force to automatically facilitate release, reducing removal time.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A plug connector 100 includes a housing 110 and multiple plug terminals 140. The housing 110 has at least a base portion 111 housing the multiple plug terminals 140, and a lock mechanism 120, and a pair of side portions 130 each provided on both right and left sides of the base portion 111. At each of the side portions in a pair, a step portion 131 is formed. In a state in which the plug connector 100 is fitted in the receptacle connector 300, side surfaces 131b of the step portions 131 face the receptacle connector 300 through a clearance, and front surfaces 132 of the side portions 130 are closer to the receptacle connector 300 than the side surfaces 131b of the step portions 131 are to the receptacle connector 300.