Plug Connector Locking Arm Structure to Prevent Unlocking Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors face manufacturing difficulties due to the need for precise placement of a single return spring, which can lead to unlocking failures and reduced reliability due to jamming and uneven force distribution.
Innovation Solution
The plug connector design includes two locking arms with a driving member and pull strap configuration, along with two return springs, allowing for indirect driving of locking arms and uniform force distribution, thereby enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only one return spring is provided in the connection portion, then the structure is simpler, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single return spring is divided into two separate return springs, with each return spring corresponding to one locking arm. This segmentation eliminates the need for precise middle positioning and allows independent installation on each locking arm, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining structural functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each locking arm is equipped with its own dedicated return spring, providing localized elastic restoring force. This local quality approach ensures that each locking arm can independently return to its initial position without relying on a centrally positioned spring, thus reducing installation complexity and improving reliability.
2Device complexity
If the pull strap directly abuts against the connection portion, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability decreases due to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The driving member is introduced as an intermediary component between the pull strap and the locking arms. The pull strap pulls the driving member, which in turn drives the locking arms to rotate. This indirect transmission mechanism avoids direct contact between the flexible pull strap and the rigid connection portion, preventing jamming and improving movement smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pull strap for force application, the driving member for force transmission, and the locking arms for locking/unlocking actions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the driving member acting as a mediator that converts the pulling force into rotational motion of the locking arms without direct contact between the pull strap and connection portion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces the likelihood of locking arm jamming, improves the smoothness of locking arm movement, and enhances the overall reliability of the plug connector by ensuring consistent and even force application.
Implementation Method 1
each return spring is adapted to return the corresponding locking arm to an original position after the external force is removed
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes a housing, a built-in circuit board, a cable, two locking arms, a driving member, and a pull strap connected to the driving member. Each locking arm includes a locking protrusion, an abutting portion and a pivot portion. The driving member includes two driving arms. Each driving arm includes a protruding portion to pull the abutting portion. The locking arm is rotatable around the pivot part when the pull strap is pulled by an external force. At the same time, the locking protrusions can move along a thickness direction from a locked position to an unlocked position. The plug connector also includes two return springs for returning the locking arms after the external force is removed. As a result, the reliability of the plug connector of the present disclosure is improved.