Plug Connector Unlocking Mechanism Using Sliding Member and Pull Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors with locking mechanisms require difficulty in unlocking due to the need for pressing an elastic lock arm, often necessitating the use of auxiliary tools, making the process inconvenient and challenging.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design incorporating a sliding member and a pull strip mechanism, where the sliding member is connected to a lock head, allowing for easy unlocking by pulling the pull strip backward, and automatic relocking when released, utilizing a sliding member with elastic arms and inclined surfaces to facilitate smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic lock arm is used for locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the unlocking operation becomes difficult and requires auxiliary tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by making the lock head movable rather than fixed, and the base rather than the plug body movable. This inversion allows the lock head to be easily displaced by the movable base during unlocking, eliminating the need to press the elastic lock arm and solving the operational difficulty while maintaining reliable locking when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable lock head and movable base structure that allows dynamic adjustment during unlocking. The lock head can move forward and backward relative to the plug body, and the base can move relative to the plug connector, creating a dynamic system that enables easy unlocking without auxiliary tools while maintaining stable locking when engaged
2Reliability
If a lock head with elastic lock arm is used, then mechanical connection is secured, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism into distinct functional components: a lock head with elastic lock arm that provides the locking function, and a separate movable base that provides the unlocking function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The movable base acts as an intermediary element between the user's unlocking action and the lock head. When the base moves forward, it automatically pushes the lock head forward to disengage the elastic lock arm from the blocking portion, providing a simple mechanical mediation that reduces structural complexity while ensuring reliable operation
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
The solution provides a safe, effective, and convenient locking and unlocking mechanism, enabling easy insertion and removal of the plug connector without the need for auxiliary tools, ensuring reliable mechanical connection while being easy to operate.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic arm is pressed against the top wall of the cover... When pulling the pull strip backward, the sliding member can move backward, the elastic arm can be compressed... When releasing the pull strip, the sliding member can automatically move forward with the help of the elastic arm
Implementation Method 2
The connection mouth has two downward inclined surfaces, which can be engaged with the corresponding upward inclined surfaces of the edge protrusions... the downward inclined surface can push the corresponding edge protrusion to move downward and further drive the lock head to go down for unlocking
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector having unlocking function is disclosed in the present invention. The plug connector includes a base, a signal transmission module, a lock head, a cover and an unlocking device. The lock head has two symmetrical edge protrusions, each of which has an upward inclined surface. The unlocking device includes a sliding member being slidably mounted on the cover and being connected with the lock head, and a pull strip being connected with the sliding member. A connection mouth of the sliding member has two downward inclined surfaces. A free end of the lock head is embedded into the connection mouth, and the upward inclined surface is pressed against the corresponding downward inclined surface. When pulling the pull strip backward, the sliding member moves backward, and the downward inclined surface can push the edge protrusion to move downward and drive the lock head to go down for unlocking.