RJ-Modular Socket Protrusions for Broken Plug Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
RJ-modular plugs with broken latch flaps are difficult to replace without specialized tools, leading to unusable cables and increased vulnerability, as the latch flap is the most fragile part and prone to breaking.
Innovation Solution
A socket and plug design featuring protrusions and compressible arms that allow a broken plug to be securely inserted and removed without a latch flap, using a claw-like structure on the socket and arms on the plug that engage and release without the risk of breaking, eliminating the need for a crimping tool and preserving cable length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch flap mechanism is used in RJ-modular plugs, then the plug can be firmly engaged with the socket, but the latch flap is fragile and prone to breaking during handling and insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the fragile latch flap from the plug and relocates the latching function entirely to the socket side through protrusions. The plug simply inserts into the socket without requiring a delicate latching component, thereby eliminating the strength vulnerability while preserving engagement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the plug initiate and maintain the latching action through a fragile flap, the invention inverts the approach by having the socket provide the active latching elements (protrusions) that engage with corresponding features on the plug. This transfers the mechanical stress from the fragile plug component to the more robust socket structure.
2Reliability
If a broken latch flap is present in the plug, then the plug cannot be firmly engaged with the socket, but replacing the plug requires specialized crimping tools and results in cable loss
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the latch flap from the plug design entirely and placing all latching functionality in the socket, the invention makes the plug replaceable by simple insertion without requiring crimping tools. The socket's protrusions provide the engagement mechanism, allowing any plug with matching geometry to be firmly engaged through simple insertion and extraction.
3Ease of operation
If the latch flap structure is used, then the plug can be releasably engaged, but the fine structure makes it the first part to break under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the latch flap from the plug and relocates the latching function to the socket's protrusions. This eliminates the fine, fragile structure from the plug while maintaining releasable engagement through the socket's more robust protrusion-based mechanism that engages with corresponding features on the plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the latching approach by making the socket (rather than the plug) the active element providing the latching mechanism through protrusions. This transfers the mechanical demands from the fragile plug structure to the more robust socket structure, preserving releasable engagement while improving overall structural robustness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to RJ-modular plugs, and more specifically to RJ- modular plugs with a broken off latch flap. A device according to the present invention replaces a broken RJ-modular plug and provides a functional plug for insertion into a known RJ-modular socket.