Socket Connector Locking Mechanism Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer and telecommunications network connectors, such as RJ45 connectors, often have ergonomically poor locking systems that are difficult to manually lock and unlock, and some lack an unlocking mechanism, making maintenance challenging and prone to accidental unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A female connector socket with a sliding latch mechanism that allows for ergonomic and intuitive locking and unlocking, featuring a U-shaped lock with a wide gripping area and a hard point to prevent accidental changes in position, along with a return mechanism to maintain the locked state and a non-slip grip for secure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system is equipped in the female connector to hold the lever in the closed position, then the connector can be locked securely, but the locking operation becomes laborious and ergonomically poor due to small gripping area and poor ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a lockable element with gripping surfaces for manual operation, a separate lock element that can be moved between locked and unlocked positions, and a sliding mechanism that connects them. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently - the lockable element provides ergonomic gripping while the lock element provides secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lockable element and the lock element. When the lockable element is manipulated, the sliding mechanism translates this motion to move the lock element between locked and unlocked positions. This intermediary mechanism allows the ergonomic gripping surfaces to be separated from the actual locking action, improving both ergonomics and reliability.
2Reliability
If the locking system is designed to prevent accidental unlocking, then the connector remains securely locked, but the unlocking mechanism becomes complex and ergonomically poor
Solution Approach 1:
The detent element provides preliminary anti-action by creating a mechanical barrier that prevents the lock element from moving to the unlocked position unless a sufficient force is applied to overcome the detent engagement. This preliminary resistance prevents accidental unlocking while maintaining a relatively simple unlocking mechanism - the user simply needs to apply enough force to the lockable element to overcome the detent and move the lock element.
3Device complexity
If no unlocking mechanism is provided in the connector, then the locking system is simple, but the connector must be destroyed if wiring modification is needed during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be self-servicing for maintenance operations. The lock element can be manually moved between locked and unlocked positions by applying force to the lockable element, allowing users to easily open and close the connector for wiring modifications without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The self-contained design with integrated gripping surfaces makes the maintenance operation straightforward.
4Ease of operation
If the lever is designed to push the connection module to fully inserted position, then the connection is secure, but the lever requires a wide gripping area for ergonomic operation which increases the overall connector size
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into the lever assembly and the lockable element assembly. The lockable element with its gripping surfaces is positioned to provide ergonomic leverage for moving the lock element, while the lever itself remains focused on its function of pushing the connection module. This segmentation allows the ergonomic gripping area to be concentrated in the lockable element rather than requiring the entire connector to be larger.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector-type female plug comprising a body (1); a module (2) comprising a plurality of slots (21) each intended to receive an end of a strand of a cable (4) and arranged so as to be plugged into by a rear face of the body (1); and a lever (3) pivotably mounted on the body (1) in such a way as to be able to move between an open position and a closed position attained after lowering the lever (3) in such a way as to grasp a rear face of the module (2) and to push same into a completely plugged-in position; the female plug comprising a lock (31) that can move along a sliding mechanism between a locked position, in which the lock (31) is arranged in such a way as to hold the lever (3) in the closed position, and an unlocked position.