Push-Pull Plug Locking Element to Prevent Accidental Disconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-pull plugs are prone to accidental disconnection, especially in confined spaces, and existing locking mechanisms are either complex or increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull plug design featuring a rotatable blocking element with a rib that can be locked or unlocked using a tool or without tools, ensuring secure connection by preventing sliding movement when locked, while maintaining simplicity and low production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple pull-release mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to rotate between two stable positions (locked and unlocked) rather than remaining fixed. This dynamic positioning allows the connection state to change intentionally while preventing accidental changes, resolving the contradiction between easy operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is positioned in the locked state by default before any operation occurs. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental disconnection, and the user must actively rotate the blocking element to the unlocked position to allow sliding element movement, thus ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of intentional operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is integrated into the sliding element structure, combining the locking function with the existing sliding mechanism. The blocking element rotates within the sliding element itself, merging two functions (sliding and locking) into a unified component system, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element serves multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism (preventing accidental disconnection) and an operational interface (the user rotates this same element to unlock). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable locking.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element utilizes the existing structural features of the sliding element and main body (such as guide rails and engagement surfaces) to achieve its locking function. The mechanism serves itself by using the movement and positioning capabilities already inherent in the push-pull plug design, eliminating the need for additional complex components or manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple rotational element (the blocking element) that can be independently manufactured and then integrated. This extraction allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving the composite reliability of a locking mechanism through their assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug is provided which has a main body and a sliding element, the sliding element encompassing the main body and being arranged thereon so as to be movable along a plugging axis of the plug, the plug having a blocking element which is arranged on the sliding element so as to be rotatable between an open position and a locked position, the axis of rotation of the blocking element being perpendicular to the plugging axis of the plug, or the plug having a blocking element which is arranged on the sliding element so as to be slidable between an open position and a locked position, the sliding axis of the blocking element being perpendicular to the plugging axis of the plug.