Rugged Plug Sheath Mechanism for Easier Locked Unplugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Common rugged plugs are difficult to plug and unplug due to their locked structure, requiring complex actions to release and unplug, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A rugged plug design featuring an elastic inner sheath with a hook and a slidable rigid sheath, made of different stainless steel materials, allows for easy unplugging by sliding the rigid sheath away from the socket, which biases the elastic arm to loosen the hook and facilitate removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rugged plug uses a locked structure (latch or hook) to prevent falling off, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated unplugging actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic elastic arm that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The elastic arm is biased by a spring to maintain engagement during normal use, ensuring reliable connection. When force is applied to the operation member, the elastic arm dynamically transitions to disengage the hook from the latch, enabling easy unplugging. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable connection and enabling easy disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rugged plug is divided into functionally independent segments: the connector body with latch mechanism, the cable assembly with hook, and the operation member. This segmentation allows the operation member to independently actuate the elastic arm without affecting the overall structural integrity. The separated design enables simple unplugging actions while maintaining the robust locked structure during normal operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rugged plug uses a complex locking mechanism, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking and unlatching functions into a single integrated operation. The operation member simultaneously actuates the elastic arm to disengage the hook from the latch, combining multiple functions (unlocking, disengagement, and separation) into one simple action. This reduces device complexity while maintaining connection stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm with spring bias provides self-service by automatically maintaining the locked position during connection. The spring continuously applies force to keep the hook engaged with the latch, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems. This self-maintaining feature ensures connection stability while simplifying the overall structure.
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
Enables easy and efficient unplugging of rugged plugs by allowing the hook to recede into the sheath, simplifying the unplug process without the need for complex actions.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic inner sheath has an elastic arm, and a hook is protruded from one lateral side of the elastic arm
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a rugged plug having a connector, an elastic inner sheath and a slidable rigid sheath. The connector has a coupling end. The elastic inner sheath sleeves the connector. The elastic inner sheath has an elastic arm, and a hook is protruded from one lateral side of the elastic arm. The hook protrudes from the side of the elastic inner sheath and a tip of the hook is a curved surface, an actuating slope is defined on the elastic arm, and a direction normal to the actuating slope is biased toward the coupling end of the connector. The slidable rigid sheath movably sleeves the elastic inner sheath, the slidable rigid sheath cover the actuating slope and the hook is located outside the slidable rigid sheath, the slidable rigid sheath has an actuating structure and the actuating structure abuts against the actuating slope.