USB Retention Clip With Spring-Tab Release for Vibration Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB connections are prone to disconnection due to low friction forces, leading to interruptions caused by vibration or unintended contact, which can result in unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector retention device featuring a spring tab with protrusions that engage the USB receptacle's spring fingers, combined with a lever arm and button component to enhance retention force, allowing for secure engagement and easy release of the USB plug connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard USB connector is used with low friction forces, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to disengagement from vibration or unintended contact
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a retention arm with protrusions that engage the USB connector, a lever arm for actuation, and a button component for user operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one with controlled movement. The lever arm pivots to deflect the retention arm, enabling the protrusions to engage or disengage from the USB connector's spring fingers. This dynamic capability provides reliable retention during normal use while allowing easy release when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a retention mechanism with spring tab and protrusions is added to enhance retention force, then the connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tab with protrusions automatically engages with the USB connector's spring fingers upon insertion, providing self-retention without requiring additional actuation. The spring fingers naturally interact with the protrusions to maintain stable connection, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms while ensuring connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism changes the friction parameter by introducing spring fingers that apply controlled elastic force to the protrusions. This parameter change transforms the simple friction-based retention into a spring-force-based retention, significantly improving connection stability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through the use of elastic deformation.
3Ease of operation
If a lever arm and button component are added for easy release, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm serves as an intermediary between the user's button press and the retention arm's deflection. Instead of directly pressing the retention arm, the user activates the button which moves the lever arm, which in turn deflects the retention arm to disengage the protrusions. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage and makes the release operation easier while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 provides a stable and reliable USB connection by increasing the retention force, reducing the risk of disconnection due to movement or vibration, while allowing for easy removal of the USB device.
Implementation Method 1
a spring tab, including: a retention arm including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion is connected to the frame panel; and the distal end portion has a pair of protrusions each positioned to engage a corresponding spring finger of the standard USB connector
Implementation Method 2
a lever arm pivotably coupled to the retention arm; and a button component attached to the frame panel and positioned to actuate the lever arm thereby deflecting the retention arm to move the protrusions away from the spring fingers
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes technologies relating to connector retention devices, receptacles with retention enhancement features, systems including the same, and method of using thereof. In exemplary embodiments, a connector retention device, including a retention clip sized and configured to engage a USB receptacle including a frame panel; a pair of opposed sidewall engaging panels extending orthogonally from the frame panel each positioned to closely confront a corresponding side portion of the USB receptacle; a spring tab including a proximal end portion connected to the frame panel and a distal end portion having a pair of protrusions each positioned to engage a corresponding spring finger of the USB receptacle; and a lever arm pivotably coupled to the spring tab; and a button component attached to the frame panel and positioned to actuate the lever arm thereby deflecting the spring tab to move the protrusions away from the spring fingers.