Signal Cable Locking Portion for Slim Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signal cables with bulky connector components hinder the design of slim electronic devices and incur additional production costs, while lacking secure connection mechanisms that prevent easy disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A signal cable with a cable locking portion integrated into the cable film, which engages with a cable holder in the connector, allowing for secure connection and disconnection by applying a pulling force in a direction intersecting the connecting direction, using a grip unit to release the locking portion from the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector component is provided at the end of the signal cable, then the connection to the cable connector is secure, but the connector component becomes bulky and hinders the design of slim electronic apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The cable locking portion is integrated directly into the cable film structure, merging the locking function with the cable body. This eliminates the need for separate bulky connector components at the cable end, allowing slim electronic apparatus design while maintaining secure connection through the integrated locking mechanism that engages with the cable holder.
2Reliability
If a connector component is provided at the end of the signal cable, then the connection is secure, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the cable film through the cable locking portion, eliminating the need for separate connector components. This integration reduces the number of parts required, simplifies the manufacturing process, and lowers production costs while maintaining secure connection through the engagement between the cable locking portion and cable holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate connector component is extracted from the cable assembly, with its essential locking function being transferred to the integrated cable locking portion in the cable film. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components and reduces production complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If no connector component is provided, then production costs are reduced and design is simplified, but the signal cable easily becomes disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the cable film structure through the cable locking portion, providing connection stability without requiring separate connector components. This integration maintains reliability by creating a secure engagement mechanism with the cable holder while keeping production simple and costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable locking portion provides self-service locking by automatically engaging with the cable holder when the cable is inserted. The grip unit enables easy disconnection when needed, creating a self-service connection system that maintains stability without complex components or additional costs.
4Volume of moving object
If a cable locking portion is integrated into the cable film, then connection security is maintained without bulky components, but the cable may still disconnect under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The grip unit is configured to be bowed upwardly, creating a curved structure that provides mechanical advantage. When the user grips and pulls the free end, the bowed shape amplifies the pulling force, enabling reliable disconnection. This curvature also provides a comfortable grip area that concentrates force effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable locking portion provides dynamic connection characteristics - automatically engaging and locking when inserted to resist external forces during normal use, yet allowing easy disconnection when the grip unit is pulled. This creates a dynamic system that adapts to different operational states.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A signal cable (100), a cable connector (200), and a signal cable connecting apparatus (1) including the same facilitate connection of the signal cable (100) to the cable connector (200). The signal cable (100) includes a plurality of signal lines (110); a cable film (120) which sheaths the plurality of signal lines (110); and a cable locking portion (130) formed in the cable film (120), to releasably engage with a cable holder (220) of a cable connector (200).