Socket Connector Latch Mechanism for Secure Pin Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power connector systems face limitations such as current carrying capacity issues and difficulties in the reliable mating and unmating of pins with sockets, particularly in backplane power distribution applications.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector system featuring a housing with a latch mechanism that securely engages with a pin through a groove, allowing easy attachment and detachment by moving between latched and clearance positions, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pin and socket connector system is used, then electrical power can be transmitted, but the connector may accidentally disconnect or be difficult to mate/unmate reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the pin groove upon insertion, securing the connector without requiring manual intervention. The release button provides a simple user-actuated mechanism that automatically disengages the latch, eliminating the need for complex manual release procedures while maintaining secure connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions between a locked engaged state and an unlocked released state, providing dynamic control over the connection. The spring-loaded latch automatically engages to secure the connector, while the release button enables controlled disengagement, allowing the system to adapt between secure connection and easy separation as needed.
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the pin, then accidental disconnection is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the socket connector housing, combining the securing function with the existing connector structure. The latch, release button, and spring components are incorporated within the housing cavity, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware or additional structural elements, thus adding security without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch automatically engages with the pin groove upon insertion, providing secure connection without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. The simple release button interface allows user-controlled disengagement, maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable security, thereby achieving high connection security with minimal added structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the latch mechanism is made robust to prevent accidental release, then connection security improves, but the size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism components (latch arm, spring, release button) are nested within the existing housing cavity, utilizing the available internal space efficiently. The latch arm pivots within the housing, the spring is contained within the latch assembly, and the release button is integrated into the housing front face, allowing a robust security mechanism to fit within the original connector footprint without significant volume increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket connector includes a housing having a cavity and a pin access opening through the bottom open to the cavity configured to receive a pin. The housing includes a latch pocket open to the cavity. A socket is received in the cavity electrically connected to the pin and a cable to electrically connect the cable and the pin. The socket connector includes a latch movably received in the latch pocket between a latched position and a clearance position and configured to engage the pin to secure the socket connector to the pin. The latch includes a latching rib having a latching surface configured to engage the pin in the latched position and released from the pin in the clearance position to allow uncoupling of the socket connector from the pin.