Ribbon Cable Connector with Pivotable Locking Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ribbon cable connectors are prone to contact errors, prone to failure under vibrations, and require significant installation space, limiting miniaturization and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a pivotable locking arm, stiffening end piece, and markings for size verification, allowing for compact design, easy actuation, and secure connection, while minimizing installation space and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded latch connector is used to clamp the ribbon cable end, then contact between conductors is achieved, but the connector requires relatively large installation space and is prone to failure under vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust during insertion and locking. The arm pivots from an initial position to engage the latch, providing reliable contact while requiring minimal space. This dynamic mechanism replaces the bulky spring-loaded latch with a compact pivoting system that achieves secure connection under vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design uses asymmetric placement of the single locking arm on one long side wall of the socket, rather than symmetric dual arms. This asymmetric configuration reduces the width and installation space requirements while maintaining reliable contact through the strategic positioning of the latch engagement point.
2Reliability
If a ribbon cable connector with molding is used to provide latching arms, then latching functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: the socket body and the locking arm assembly. The locking arm is attached to the socket via a hinge rather than being molded as an integrated piece. This segmentation allows for simpler, lower-cost manufacturing of each component separately while maintaining effective latching functionality through the modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connects the locking arm to the socket in a way that combines multiple functions into a single structural element. The hinge serves as both the attachment mechanism and the pivot joint, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or complex assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving latching functionality.
3Reliability
If a connector with dual-finger actuation is used to ensure proper latching, then reliable engagement is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a single locking arm positioned on one long side wall rather than symmetric dual arms. This asymmetric design reduces the width and overall installation space while maintaining reliable engagement through the strategically positioned latch that secures the ribbon cable end effectively with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm design allows for easy actuation with one finger through its geometric configuration and latch mechanism. The actuating piece is shaped and positioned to be naturally grippable, enabling the user to operate the connector without requiring two fingers or tools, thus reducing installation space while maintaining engagement reliability.
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
Ensures reliable and error-free connections with reduced installation space requirements, low manufacturing costs, and enhanced durability against vibrations, while preventing reverse polarity and ensuring precise conductor positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge is preferably formed by an elastically deformable section which integrally connects the locking arm to the socket
Data Source
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AI summary
The connector has a reinforcement end piece (1) for reinforcing an end of the ribbon cable (2) with a reinforcement plate for the fastening the end of the ribbon cable. A rectangular plug (3) has a long side wall and a small side wall and contact elements which are arranged in an opening of the plug. The connector has a swivelable locking arm (31) which is fixed at the long wall side and has a hinge. This enables the swiveling of the locking arm whereby the locking arm has a locking element at one end to grip the locking element of the reinforcement end piece and at its opposite end it has an actuating member (33) for actuating the locking arm. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) Method for connecting a ribbon cable; and (B) Application of the connector.