Cable Connector Optical Member Retention via Positioning Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connectors with optical members face issues due to springs that can arc-shapedly transform and fly out of retaining slots, disrupting assembly and stability.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring an insulative housing with a positioning block and springs that are assembled within the housing, preventing the springs from flying out and ensuring horizontal force retention, along with a retaining member that abuts against the optical member and a positioning block to maintain assembly stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs are assembled in the retaining slot to retain the optical member, then the optical member can be held in position, but the springs may arc-shapedly transform and fly out of the retaining slot, disrupting assembly and stability
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning block is introduced as an intermediary component between the springs and the optical member. The positioning block has a U-shaped structure that confines the springs horizontally, preventing them from flying out while still allowing them to perform their retention function. The positioning block is inserted into the insulative housing and horizontally retains the springs, solving the problem of spring displacement without compromising the retention of the optical member.
2Reliability
If the spring is allowed to transform elastically to retain the optical member, then the optical member can be securely held, but the spring may move out of position and affect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into three distinct functional components: the springs (providing elastic retention force), the positioning block (confining the springs horizontally), and the insulative housing (providing the structural framework). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the springs can transform elastically to retain the optical member while the positioning block prevents them from moving out of position, thus maintaining both secure retention and ease of assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring is constrained to prevent flying out, then assembly stability is improved, but the spring's elastic transformation capability may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning block provides localized horizontal constraint to the springs, while leaving their vertical elastic transformation capability intact. The U-shaped structure of the positioning block confines the springs in the horizontal direction to prevent flying out, but allows them to compress and expand vertically to perform their retention function. This local quality approach maintains assembly stability through horizontal confinement while preserving the spring's adaptability through vertical elastic transformation.
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 ensures reliable assembly and retention of the optical member and contacts, preventing spring displacement and enhancing the stability and ease of assembly of the cable connector.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining member having a pair of springs forwardly abuts against the optical member
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1), a cable (3) connecting to the contacts (2), an optical member (4) retained in the insulative housing (1) and a retaining member (5). The insulative housing (1) includes a pair of opposite front and rear walls (11, 12), a pair of opposite top and bottom walls (13, 14) and a receiving space (121) depressed forwardly from the rear wall (12). The retaining member (5) includes two springs (52) forwardly abuts against the optical member (4) and a positioning block (51) forwardly abuts against the spring (52).