Plug Locking Assembly with Rotatable Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug locking mechanisms in modular connections are prone to accidental or unauthorized disconnection due to accidental depression of the latch, lacking effective security features to prevent unintended removal of plugs from jacks.
Innovation Solution
A plug locking assembly comprising a cover with a rotatable cam and cam latch system that includes a key mechanism to secure the latch in position, preventing its depression and allowing controlled engagement and disengagement for authorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple latch mechanism is used to secure the plug, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to accidental or unauthorized disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
A rotatable cam is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the latch and the cover. The cam rotates to position its support surface beneath the latch, providing additional support and preventing accidental depression. This intermediary component adds reliability without significantly complicating the basic latch operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam is designed to be rotatable, transitioning between different positions to either support or release the latch. When rotated to the first position, the cam support surface underlies the latch to prevent accidental disconnection. When rotated to the second position, the support surface moves away, allowing intentional disconnection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to different operational states.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam serves multiple functions: it supports the latch to prevent accidental disconnection, it can be rotated to release the latch for intentional disconnection, and it works with the existing latch mechanism rather than requiring a completely separate locking system. This multi-functionality adds reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is integrated with the existing latch and cover structure. The cam is positioned within the cover and works in conjunction with the latch, merging the new reliability feature with the existing simple latch design. This integration approach adds the necessary locking functionality without creating a separate complex subsystem.
3Reliability
If the latch is made more secure to prevent unauthorized removal, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is designed to be dynamically adjustable between two positions. In the first position, it provides security by supporting the latch. In the second position, it allows access by moving the support surface away from the latch. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between secure and accessible states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism can be rotated by the user to intentionally disconnect the plug. When the user rotates the cam to the second position, the latch is freed from support and can be depressed for disconnection. This self-service feature allows authorized users to access the latch when needed while maintaining security against accidental or unauthorized disconnection during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprises a plug locking assembly and a key. The plug locking assembly comprises a cover for receiving and holding a plug comprising a latch and a latch support surface positionable under the latch. A rotatable cam comprising a stop surface and a slot may carry the latch support surface and may interact with a cam latch comprising an arm. The arm is alternately positionable to abut the stop surface and to lie within the slot. The key may comprise a shaft, a key tab and a limit tab. The key mates with a key receiving member associated with the cover. The limit tab is positioned on a top surface of the shaft and helps prevent over-rotation of the latch support member.