Asymmetric Latch Arm Optical Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for optical signals are not capable of transferring multiple signals and are not robust enough to withstand mechanical impacts while providing a secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a dielectric housing and deflectable latch arms that can be unlocked by a movable unlocking element, allowing for secure locking and easy disengagement without the need for rotational symmetry, enabling the transfer of multiple optical signals and enhancing mechanical robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet coupling with rotational symmetry is used to provide a secure connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the connector can only transfer a single optical signal
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that does not possess rotational symmetry. The latch arm includes a first side and a second side with different geometries, allowing the connector to be inserted in only one specific orientation. This asymmetric design enables the connector to transfer multiple optical signals while maintaining secure connection through the latch mechanism, eliminating the need for rotational symmetry required by bayonet couplings.
2Ease of operation
If an elastic piece protrudes significantly from the frame body for fixation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical strength is worsened due to breaking risk
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is designed to deflect in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connector. This lateral deflection movement allows the latch arm to engage with and disengage from the counter connector's locking feature without requiring significant protrusion from the frame body. By changing the dimension of movement from axial protrusion to lateral deflection, the design maintains ease of operation while significantly improving mechanical strength and reducing breaking risk.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatory-symmetric design is used for the fiber optic connector, then the ease of operation is improved for bayonet coupling, but the device complexity increases to prevent multi-signal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly employs an asymmetric latch arm design that eliminates the need for rotational symmetry. The asymmetric geometry provides inherent orientation guidance during insertion, simplifying the coupling operation.同时，this design naturally supports multiple signal paths without requiring complex rotational mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enabling multi-signal transfer capability.
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 allows for reliable, secure connection and disconnection of optical signals without rotational symmetry, enabling the transfer of multiple signals and improving mechanical durability, thus addressing the limitations of existing connector assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
at least one latch arm (70) that is deflectable between a locked position and an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a connector assembly, for instance a connector assembly for an optical waveguide, includes a dielectric connector housing including a housing body that defines a mating end configured to mate with a complementary connector along a mating direction. The connector assembly further includes at least one latch arm supported by the housing body. The at least one latch arm can define outer surface and an opposed inner surface that faces an outer surface of the housing body. The connector assembly further includes an unlocking element supported by the housing body. The unlocking element can define an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the at least one latch arm. Movement of the unlocking element from a first position to a second position can cause the at least latch arm to deflect from a locked position to an unlocked position.