Pull Strap Connector Locking Assembly for Secure Mating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull strap connector assemblies lack effective locking mechanisms, leading to potential loosening and improper alignment issues during mating and unmating with connectors.
Innovation Solution
A pull strap connector assembly featuring a movable component, elastic member, and locking protrusions that engage with mating connectors, ensuring secure retention and alignment through a combination of elastic force and directional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pull strap connector assembly includes a locking piece with a hook and a mating connector with a slot, then the connector can be assembled, but the assembly lacks effective locking mechanisms leading to potential loosening and improper alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece is designed to move between a locked position (where the protrusion engages the recess) and an unlocked position. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to transition from a simple hook-slot assembly to an actively locked connection, preventing loosening while maintaining operational flexibility for assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the movable locking piece with protrusion, the recess in the mating connector, and the pull strap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall locking reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector assembly.
2Force
If the locking piece is made movable to engage with a mating connector, then retention force is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece combines multiple functions in a single component: it provides the locking protrusion, serves as the movable element for engagement/disengagement, and connects to the pull strap for actuation. This merging reduces the need for separate locking mechanisms, springs, or actuation systems that would otherwise increase component count and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the connector is assembled, providing self-locking capability without requiring additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly procedures. The pull strap provides a simple user-actuated mechanism to release the lock, making the system self-sufficient for both locking and unlocking operations.
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
Enhances retention force and prevents improper alignment, providing a foolproof mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement of connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is connected to the movable component
Data Source
AI summary
A pull strap connector includes an insulating housing, a number of conductive terminals, a movable component, a first locking protrusion, an elastic member, and a pull strap. The insulating housing includes a main body, the main body includes a first end wall and a second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall being oppositely-positioned. The conductive terminals are disposed on the insulating housing. The movable component is connected to the insulating housing. The first locking protrusion is connected to the movable component and is positioned relative to the first end wall. The first locking protrusion is configured to engage with a locking hole of a mating connector. The elastic member is connected to the movable component. The pull strap is connected with the movable component. The pull strap is configured to drive the movable component to overcome a force of the elastic member, so that the movable component moves along a first direction.