Closed Latch in Tapered Housing for Tight-Space VSFF Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

VSFF fiber optic connectors face challenges in tight spaces due to the 'fish hook' effect of cantilevered latches and the need for additional parts like thumb pads, which increase complexity and cost, while solutions like push-pull boots and strain relief boots are not always necessary.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic connector design with a closed latch mechanism integrally molded to the housing, allowing deflection between positions, and a compliant rear portion to secure the connector without additional parts, featuring a transition portion and anti-buckle feature for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cantilevered latch is used to secure the connector, then the connector can be secured to the adapter, but the latch acts as a catch point causing the 'fish hook' effect in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector securityVSAvoidease of insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is segmented into multiple components: a latch arm, a latch body, and a release button, allowing independent movement and function of each part. This segmentation enables the latch to engage securely while allowing tool-less release by actuating the button.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a cantilevered latch that protrudes outward (causing the fish hook effect), the patent inverts the design to a closed latch mechanism where the latch arm is contained within the housing. The release function is inverted from direct manipulation of the latch arm to actuating a release button that triggers latch disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a thumb pad is added behind the latch to address the fish hook effect, then the latch no longer acts as a catch point, but the part count and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertion and removalVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release button is merged with the latch body, forming an integrated assembly where the button is positioned on the rearward surface of the latch body. This merging eliminates the need for a separate thumb pad while maintaining the ability to release the latch without tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the latch mechanism, houses the release button, and engages with the housing to secure the connector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components like separate thumb pads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a push-pull boot with latching arrangement is used to secure the connector, then the connector can be secured and released, but the design includes unnecessary components for applications that do not require strain relief

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector securityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary push-pull boot and strain relief components from the connector design. Only the essential latching mechanism is retained, integrated directly into the housing, eliminating extraneous parts for applications that do not require strain relief.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The latching mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the housing structure, using the housing itself as part of the latch assembly. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate external latching components and reduces overall part count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables tool-less operation and reduced part count, ensuring secure connection and ease of insertion/removal in tight spaces without additional components, enhancing usability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a closed latch mechanism integrally molded with the main body such that a rear end of the closed latch mechanism is joined to the main body rearward of the transition portion and a front end of the closed latch mechanism is joined to the main body forward of the rear end of the closed latch mechanism, wherein there is a gap between the main body and the closed latch mechanism between the front end and the rear end of the closed latch mechanism thereby allowing the closed latch mechanism to deflect between a first position and a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250298193A1Closed Latch Integrated with Tapered Housing for VSFF Connectors

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 US CONEC LTD

AI summary

A closed latch mechanism is integrally molded with a housing such that a rear end of the closed latch mechanism is joined to the main body rearward of the transition portion and a front end of the closed latch mechanism is joined to the main body forward of the rear end of the closed latch mechanism. There is a gap between the housing body and the closed latch mechanism between the front end and the rear end of the closed latch mechanism thereby allowing the closed latch mechanism to deflect between a first position and a second position.