Pull-Cord Clamp Coupling for Compact Push-Pull Connector Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-pull connectors with pull straps require significant storage space due to their protruding design, and accessing the release mechanism can be difficult due to space constraints.

Innovation Solution

A pull-cord coupling with a hinged clamp and a pull cord that is attached to the connector's outer contour, allowing for a compact design and easy access to the release mechanism by pulling the pull cord.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pull strap is attached to the movable release mechanism of the push-pull connector, then the connector can be easily disconnected by pulling the strap, but the storage space requirement increases significantly due to the protruding design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disconnectionVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pull strap coupling device is designed to be nested around the connector body. The clamp arms wrap around and engage with the connector housing, allowing the pull strap to be stored in a compact manner against the connector rather than protruding outward, thus reducing storage space while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull strap coupling transitions from a linear protruding configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement where the clamp arms wrap around the connector in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the pull strap to be accessed easily while occupying minimal storage space by utilizing the space around the connector body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the release mechanism is made accessible for easy operation, then the connector can be easily disconnected, but the connector design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to release mechanismVSAvoidconnector design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull strap coupling acts as an intermediary between the user and the release mechanism. Instead of directly exposing or modifying the release mechanism, the coupling transmits the pulling force through the clamp arms to the release mechanism, simplifying the overall design while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The release mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pull strap for user interaction, the clamp arms for force transmission, and the internal release mechanism for actual disconnection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while improving accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3893338B1Draw string connection, connector and method
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3893338B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3893338B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3893338B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

A pull-cord coupling (1) for a connector (100) with a push-pull locking mechanism comprises a pull cord (10) and a coupling clamp (20). The pull cord (10) is attached to and/or attachable to the coupling clamp (20) at least at one attachment point. The coupling clamp (20) is attached to and/or attachable to an outer contour (110) of the connector (100) in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner.