Plug Release Mechanism Thinner Profile Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug designs with release mechanisms are hindered by the need for increased thickness or space, which prevents the development of smaller and thinner styles.
Innovation Solution
A plug with a rotatable lever and movable actuator arm mounted on the housing, allowing for a thinner profile by selectively lifting and locking the nose portion with a latch tab, enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wedge-shaped front is used to lift the latch tab for releasing the module from the cage, then the release mechanism functions properly, but the top wall needs increased thickness to form a pocket for receiving the wedge-shaped front
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a wedge-shaped front requiring a deep pocket (vertical dimension) to a pivoting arm mechanism that operates in a different dimensional space. The arm pivots within a recess that can be shallower, utilizing rotational motion rather than linear wedging action, thereby reducing the required top wall thickness while maintaining release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pivoting arm as an intermediary element between the release button and the latch tab. This arm translates the user's button pressing action into a lifting motion that disengages the latch tab, eliminating the need for a thick wedge-shaped structure while achieving the same release function through a more space-efficient mechanism.
2Reliability
If a cam with chamfered guiding surface is used to release the latching tab, then the release mechanism functions properly, but a large space is needed for permitting sliding movement from the first position to the second position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static cam structure with a dynamic pivoting arm mechanism. Instead of requiring sliding movement along a chamfered surface, the arm rotates about a pivot point, converting linear sliding requirements into rotational motion. This dynamic approach reduces the spatial envelope needed for the release mechanism to transition between latched and released states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion paradigm from linear sliding (requiring large horizontal space) to rotational pivoting (requiring smaller circular arc space). The pivoting arm operates within a compact arc of rotation, significantly reducing the volume required for the release mechanism compared to the linear sliding path of a cam-based system.
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
Enables a thinner and more compact plug design without compromising the latching functionality, allowing for improved integration into smaller form factors.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient latch tab adapted to receive a post formed on the housing top wall
Data Source
AI summary
A plug (100) is configured for latching engagement with a cage (200). The plug has a housing (10) and a release mechanism (12) mounted on the housing. The housing has a nose portion (11) configured for latching engagement with a latch tab (21) formed on the cage. The release mechanism includes a rotatable lever (123) and a movable actuator arm (124). The lever has a front portion (1231), a rear portion (1232) and a middle portion (1234) adapted to be hinged with the housing. A front portion (1241) of the actuator arm could lift the front portion of the lever for releasing the nose from the latch tab when the actuator arm is moved forwardly, and a rear portion (1243) of the actuator arm could lift the rear portion of the lever when the actuator arm is moved backwardly.