Push-Pull Connector Spring-Loaded Locking Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-pull connectors for detachable connections lack ease of use and secure locking mechanisms, often requiring excessive force or complex operations for connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull connector with a spring-loaded locking element that engages with a mating connector's locking element, facilitated by an actuating element that moves parallel to the insertion direction for intuitive operation, allowing easy connection and disconnection with minimal force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the push-pull connector to the mating connector, then connection security is improved, but the operation complexity and force required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a spring-loaded dynamic component that automatically engages and disengages based on insertion and extraction forces. During insertion, the spring-loaded locking element is compressed and automatically locks into the mating connector. During extraction, pulling force releases the lock. This dynamic mechanism provides secure connection while maintaining simple push-pull operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the spring-loaded element that automatically engages with the mating connector upon insertion without requiring additional locking actions. The mechanism uses the insertion force itself to compress the spring and trigger the locking action, and uses extraction force to release it, making the system self-service and eliminating complex manual locking operations.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the push-pull connector, then connection reliability is improved, but the force required for connection and disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking element creates a dynamic system where the spring force provides continuous engagement pressure for secure connection, but the mechanism is designed to release when extraction force exceeds the spring preload. This allows reliable locking during normal operation while enabling easy release with minimal pulling force, resolving the contradiction between locking security and operation force.
3Ease of operation
If the actuating element moves parallel to the insertion direction, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is merged with the locking element itself, forming an integrated component rather than separate parts. The locking element serves dual functions: providing the locking action and serving as the actuating element for release. This integration maintains simple push-pull operation parallel to the insertion direction while avoiding additional complexity from separate actuating mechanisms.
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 solution provides a secure and effortless detachable connection by minimizing the force required for engagement and disengagement, ensuring a stable and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded locking element which, in an engagement position, is designed to engage behind a mating connector-side locking element
Implementation Method 2
The spring-loaded locking element can, in particular, be mounted elastically and/or with a return spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
One aspect concerns a push-pull connector (200) for detachable connection with a mating connector (300), wherein the push-pull connector (200) comprises: - a spring-loaded locking element (204) which is configured in an engagement position to engage a mating connector-side locking element (306) in order to secure the push-pull connector (200) to the mating connector (300), - an actuating element (206) which is movable relative to the spring-loaded locking element (204), wherein moving the actuating element (206) in a release direction causes the spring-loaded locking element (204) to disengage from the engagement position in order to release the mating connector-side locking element (306) from being engaged by the spring-loaded locking element (204), wherein the actuating element (206) has a locking element opening (210) by which allows the spring-loaded locking device (204) to be moved into and out of the engagement position,wherein the locking opening (210) has two opposing edge sections (212, 214) which limit the extension of the locking opening (210) along an insertion direction (E) into which the push-pull connector (200) is inserted into the mating connector (300), wherein a first edge section (212) of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface (216) of the spring-loaded locking element (204) when the actuating element (206) is moved in the unlocking direction, in order to cause a displacement of a second contact surface (218) of the spring-loaded locking element (204) from the engagement position in which the second contact surface (218) engages the locking element (306) on the mating connector side, wherein the spring-loaded locking element (204) does not contact the second edge section (214) in the engagement position.