Multi-position Quick Release Plug Cass Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting multiple plugs to switch port jacks are inefficient, as they require individual insertion and removal, lacking a mechanism for simultaneous operation and secure retention.
Innovation Solution
A quick release plug cassette assembly with a housing that holds multiple plugs, featuring pivotally connected levers and locking clips, allowing for simultaneous latching and unlatching of plugs, and a bridge clip for securing multiple assemblies together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual plug insertion and removal is used, then secure retention is achieved, but connection and disconnection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple plug retention functions into a single integrated cassette assembly that can hold multiple plugs simultaneously. The cassette integrates multiple retention mechanisms and release levers into one unified structure, allowing simultaneous connection or disconnection of multiple plugs through a single operational action, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic release levers that can be actuated to simultaneously release multiple plugs. The levers are designed to move from a latched position to an unlatched position, dynamically changing the retention state of multiple plugs at once. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid connection and disconnection operations while maintaining secure retention during the connected state.
2Productivity
If multiple plugs are held in a cassette assembly, then connection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cassette assembly into modular components including a housing, multiple retention mechanisms, and individual release levers for each plug position. This segmentation allows the complex function of holding multiple plugs to be divided into simpler, repeatable modules that can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining simultaneous connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette assembly is designed with universal retention mechanisms that can accommodate multiple standard plug types. The housing and retention structures are configured to universally hold various plugs through standardized interfaces, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and thereby simplifying the overall device structure while enabling simultaneous connection of multiple different plugs.
3Reliability
If release latches are used for each plug, then secure retention is achieved, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual release latch functions into a coordinated system where release levers can simultaneously actuate multiple latches. The latches are interconnected through the lever mechanism, allowing a single operational action to release all plugs at once. This merging maintains the reliability of individual latch retention while eliminating the time required to operate each latch separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The release levers are pre-configured in a latched position that automatically secures plugs upon insertion. The retention mechanism is designed to engage latches automatically during the connection process, eliminating the need for manual latch operation during normal use. This preliminary action ensures reliable retention while minimizing operational time when connections need to be made or broken.
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette assembly which holds at least two electrical plugs which typically are connected to digital signal carrying cables. In one example, six of these plugs are positioned within a cassette, and are arranged in two rows of three plugs each for ease in connecting the plugs simultaneously to similarly arranged switch port jacks. A lever pivotally connected to the housing, when rotated, causes the release latch of the plugs held within the cassette to move from a locked to an unlocked position to simultaneously remove all of the plugs from the jacks to which they are connected.