Pluggable Connector Coupling Mechanism With Integrated Biasing Finger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pluggable connectors face issues with space occupancy and complex assembly due to coil springs and multiple small parts in their coupling mechanisms, which can lead to disengagement and disrupted data transmission under forces such as deflection.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable connector with a coupling mechanism featuring a component latch and biasing finger that rotates between open and closed positions, utilizing a retainer clip to secure housing shells and provide a biasing force for secure engagement without occupying additional space, simplifying the construction and assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil spring and axle are used in the coupling mechanism, then the latch can be returned to the closed position to prevent disengagement, but the mechanism occupies additional space within the pluggable connector and increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing finger is integrated directly into the connector retainer as a single monolithic component, merging the functions of the retainer and the biasing element. This eliminates the need for separate coil springs and axles, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the latch return function that prevents disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector retainer is designed to serve multiple functions: it secures the housing shells together and simultaneously provides the biasing force to return the latch to the closed position. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the coupling mechanism while ensuring reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If multiple small parts such as coil springs and fasteners are used, then the coupling mechanism can function properly, but the assembly process becomes more challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the biasing finger into the connector retainer as a single component, the invention reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled. This monolithic design eliminates the need to assemble multiple small parts like coil springs and fasteners, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining proper coupling mechanism functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If internal fasteners are used to secure housing shells, then the parts are secured together, but additional space is occupied and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector retainer is designed as a single integrated component that simultaneously secures the housing shells together and provides the biasing function. This eliminates the need for separate internal fasteners, reducing both the number of parts and the complexity of the fastening mechanism while ensuring stable housing shell security.
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 proposed solution ensures secure engagement of the pluggable connector with the receptacle assembly, preventing disengagement and maintaining data transmission while reducing space usage and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing finger provides a biasing force at the contact area for rotating the component latch toward the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Pluggable connector including a connector housing having a mating end that is configured to engage a communication component during a mating operation. The pluggable connector also includes a coupling mechanism that is attached to the connector housing. The coupling mechanism includes a component latch and a biasing finger that engages the component latch. The component latch is rotatable about a pivot axis between open and closed positions and has an operative end that moves relative to the connector housing when the component latch is rotated about the pivot axis. The biasing finger engages the component latch at a contact area that is generally between the pivot axis and the operative end when the component latch rotates from the closed position toward the open position. The biasing finger provides a biasing force at the contact area for rotating the component latch toward the closed position.