Unitary Body Latch for Electrical Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches for electrical connectors are bulky, occupy excessive space, increase manufacturing costs, and are complex, leading to reliability issues due to multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A single, unitary body latch with an actuator, latch pin, and return spring integrally formed, reducing the number of parts and embedding components within the housing to minimize size and improve aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components (actuators, latch pins, return springs) are used in the latch, then the latch can perform its latching function, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate latch components (actuators, latch pins, and return springs) into a single unitary body. This merging eliminates the need for multiple discrete parts, reducing assembly steps and potential failure points while maintaining the latching function. The unitary structure integrates what were previously separate components into one monolithic piece, directly addressing the complexity issue.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the latch, then the latch can be assembled, but the assembly time and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all latch components into a single unitary body, the patent eliminates the assembly process entirely for the latch mechanism. The entire latch assembly is produced as one piece through injection molding or similar manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps, fasteners, and alignment procedures that would be required for separate components.
3Reliability
If traditional multi-component latches are used, then the latching function is achieved, but the latch occupies more space and increases connector size
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary body design allows the latch components to be integrated in a compact arrangement that would be difficult to achieve with separate parts. The actuator, latch pins, and return springs are merged into a single integrated structure that minimizes the overall volume required for the latch mechanism while maintaining full latching functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the latch, then the latch can be designed, but the number of parts increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single unitary body that can be manufactured in one process, such as injection molding. This eliminates the need for multiple separate manufacturing processes, material inventories, and quality control procedures for individual parts. The single-piece construction reduces material waste, simplifies tooling requirements, and eliminates costs associated with assembling multiple components.
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
The solution results in a more reliable, cost-effective, and compact latch that maintains the form factor and aesthetics of electrical connectors by integrating components, reducing assembly complexity and potential malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring extending from the hub, the actuator and/or the latch pin. The return spring is configured to bias the latch pin to the latched position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for latching a connector to a device includes a body comprising a hub, an actuator extending from the hub, a latch pin extending from the hub and a return spring extending from the hub, the actuator and/or the latch pin. The latch pin is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein the latch pin is configured to latch the connector to the device when the latch pin is in the latched position. The actuator is configured such that movement of the actuator moves the latch pin between the latched position and the unlatched position. The return spring is configured to bias the latch pin to the latched position. The actuator, the latch pin and the return spring are integrally integrally formed as a single, unitary body.