Resilient Latch Angled Mounting Stress Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector latches fail due to high stress concentrations when used with miniature or brittle plastic connectors, leading to micro-cracks and premature failure.
Innovation Solution
The latch design features angled mounting portions with specific angle configurations that distribute stress evenly, allowing the latch to be used with miniature and brittle plastic connectors without failure, minimizing strain and enhancing ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a resilient web is used to pivot the latch member, then the latch can be manufactured simply and compactly, but high stress concentrations occur at the pivot points causing micro-cracks and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is divided into distinct segments: a mounting portion with mounting surfaces, a latch arm portion with latch surfaces, and a release portion. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with mounting surfaces designed to distribute stress while latch surfaces perform their latching function, thereby reducing stress concentrations at critical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surfaces of the latch member are given different geometric properties. The mounting surfaces have specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) optimized for stress distribution and attachment, while the latch surfaces have different configurations optimized for engagement. This local differentiation of geometric quality reduces stress concentrations without compromising overall simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized, then compactness is improved, but stress concentrations increase causing latch failure
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is segmented into distinct functional portions (mounting, latch arm, release) that can be optimized for miniaturization while maintaining structural integrity. Each segment is designed with appropriate surface angles and geometries to distribute stress effectively in the reduced size, preventing failure despite the smaller overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the latch member, particularly the angles of the mounting surfaces (e.g., 45 degrees), are specifically optimized to minimize stress concentrations in miniaturized applications. These parameter changes allow the latch to function reliably at smaller scales where stress concentrations would otherwise be problematic.
3Ease of manufacture
If brittle plastic material is used for the connector, then manufacturing economy is improved, but the resilient web is prone to failure due to high stress concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is segmented into mounting and latch portions with optimized surface geometries. The mounting surfaces are designed with specific angles to distribute stress away from critical joints, making the structure compatible with brittle plastic materials that cannot tolerate high stress concentrations, while maintaining manufacturing economy through integral construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the latch member have different geometric qualities optimized for their specific functions. The mounting surfaces have angles optimized for stress distribution in brittle materials, while other regions maintain configurations for latching function. This local optimization enables use of economical brittle plastic materials without compromising strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector having a latch which extends from the first housing surface of the housing. A mounting portion extends from the latch arm to the first housing surface. A first mounting surface of the mounting portion extends at a first angle from the first housing surface in a direction toward the mating connector latching end. The first mounting surface extends from the first latch arm surface at a second angle. The length of the mounting portion as measured between a vertex of the first angle and a vertex of the second angle along the first housing surface is greater than the distance that the first latch arm surface is spaced from the first housing surface. The latch arm is pivotable about the mounting portion. The latch and the mounting portion have low stress concentrations when the latch arm is pivoted about the mounting portion.