Sliding Latch Connector for Bidirectional Mating and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical connectors for mounting equipment and attachments often require gender-based designs, limiting their ability to connect two identical connectors in both directions and typically lock in one direction while disengaging in the reverse, lacking bi-directional latching functionality.
Innovation Solution
A sliding mechanical connector design that allows identical connectors to be latched and unlatched in either direction, featuring a latching mechanism that automatically resets for repeated use, enabling bi-directional engagement and one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gender-based connectors (male/female) are used, then connection is achieved, but two identical connectors cannot be connected together
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric latch positioning where one connector has a latch on the left side and the mating connector has a latch on the right side. This asymmetric design allows two identical connectors to be connected together in either orientation, resolving the limitation of gender-based connectors while maintaining connector compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design provides universal functionality by enabling identical connectors to mate with each other bidirectionally. The same connector type can serve multiple connection scenarios (left-to-right, right-to-left) without requiring different male/female variants, reducing connector type variety while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If one-way latching mechanism is used, then connection is secure, but disconnection requires reverse direction operation
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to function bidirectionally by inverting the traditional one-way approach. Each connector has a latch that can engage and disengage from either direction, allowing secure connection when pushed together and easy disconnection by pulling apart in either orientation, eliminating the need for reverse direction operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including springs and movable latch components that automatically adjust based on the direction of force applied. This dynamic design maintains secure engagement during connection while enabling effortless disconnection in either direction, improving ease of operation without compromising connection security.
3Reliability
If manual latching operation is used, then connection is secure, but two-handed operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded components that automatically engage when connectors are pushed together and automatically release when pulled apart. This self-service design eliminates the need for manual two-handed operation, allowing users to simply push or pull the connectors while maintaining secure latch engagement through the spring mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical sliding connector that mates to an identical mechanical connector by a sliding action. The connector can be slid into another connector or another connecter can slide on to it, allowing the connectors to connect in either direction. The connector features a latching mechanism that engages with no interaction required by the operator other than sliding the connectors together. Unlatching the connectors can be accomplished by unlatching either of the connectors and sliding them apart. The connector latch resets automatically after it's disconnected enabling it to be ready for another connection without user action. This feature along with a latch locking feature provides for easy one hand operation.