Pull Strap Connector Dual Locking for Stronger Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull strap connector assemblies suffer from weak retention force between the pull strap connector and the mating connector, leading to looseness and affecting data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A pull strap connector design featuring a movable element with dual locking protrusions on the insulating housing, one at the front and one at the back, which engages with corresponding locking holes in the mating connector to enhance retention force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single-side locking design with one hook is used, then the device complexity is low, but the retention force between the pull strap connector and the mating connector is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is segmented into two independent locking mechanisms: a first locking protrusion at the front end and a second locking protrusion at the rear end of the movable element. Each locking protrusion engages with a corresponding locking hole in the mating connector, distributing the locking function across multiple discrete elements to achieve stronger overall retention force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a single-side (one-dimensional) locking approach to a dual-side (two-dimensional) locking approach by adding locking protrusions at both the front and rear ends of the movable element, engaging with locking holes distributed along the insertion direction in the mating connector.
2Reliability
If a single-side locking design is used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but looseness easily occurs between the pull strap connector and the mating connector
Solution Approach 1:
The connection stability is improved by segmenting the single locking point into multiple locking points (first and second locking protrusions), which distribute the mechanical stress and prevent loosening that occurs with a single locking point.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element is pre-configured with both locking protrusions in their engaged positions before insertion. During the insertion process, both locking protrusions simultaneously engage with their corresponding locking holes in the mating connector, establishing dual-side locking from the outset to prevent subsequent loosening.
3Force
If dual-side locking with movable element is implemented, then the retention force is strong, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual locking protrusions (first and second locking protrusions) are merged into a single movable element, which integrates multiple locking functions into one component. This reduces the total number of separate parts compared to having independent locking mechanisms at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element serves multiple functions: it provides both the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion, acts as the moving component for engagement/disengagement, and coordinates the locking action at both the front and rear ends of the connector through its single movement along the insertion direction.
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 dual-side locking mechanism significantly improves the retention force between the pull strap connector and the mating connector, reducing the risk of loosening and ensuring stable data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member abutting against the movable element
Data Source
AI summary
A pull strap connector includes an insulating housing, a number of conductive terminals, a movable element, an elastic member, and a pull strap. The insulating housing includes a main body and a tongue plate. The main body includes a first end wall and a second end wall. The movable element includes at least one first locking protrusion protruding forwardly from the first end wall for engaging with a first locking hole of a mating connector. The movable element includes at least one ejector rod. The movable element includes at least one second locking protrusion on a rear end of the ejector rod. The second locking protrusion protrudes forwardly towards the second end wall for engaging with a second locking hole of the mating connector. The pull strap is configured to drive the movable element to overcome the elastic member so that the movable element moves along a front-back direction.