Fiber Optic Connector Asymmetric Latch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connectors with a single latch often tilt during insertion into adapters, leading to uneven force application on the ferrule, which can reduce the ferrule's lifetime and compromise optical communication reliability.
Innovation Solution
The fiber optic connector incorporates an adjustment mechanism within its main housing, featuring a first adjustment part on the top surface and a second adjustment part on the bottom surface, including tapered surfaces and a protrusion, to ensure proper alignment and minimize tilting during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single latch is used on the connector, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the connector tilts during insertion causing uneven force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the latch offset from the centerline of the connector. This asymmetric latch position creates a deliberate moment arm that generates a compensating moment during insertion, counteracting the tilt caused by the asymmetric engagement geometry. The offset distance is specifically designed to balance the rotational forces and maintain the ferrule in a horizontal, centered position within the adapter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a counterbalancing mechanism where the latch structure acts as a counterweight system. The offset latch position creates a counter-moment that opposes and neutralizes the tilting moment generated during insertion. This counterbalancing approach ensures that the ferrule remains properly aligned and centered in the adapter without requiring additional active control mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If the connector is designed for high-density panels with reduced spacing, then the area occupied is reduced, but the insertion alignment becomes more critical and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through the guiding recess structure that pre-aligns the connector during the insertion process. The guiding recess engages with corresponding features on the adapter before full insertion is complete, establishing the correct horizontal and rotational alignment in advance. This pre-alignment mechanism ensures that even in high-density configurations where tolerance accumulation is significant, the ferrule maintains proper positioning throughout insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guiding recess as an intermediary element between the connector and adapter. This guiding feature acts as a mediator that transfers and maintains alignment information during insertion, ensuring that the ferrule remains properly positioned even when direct mating surfaces have limited tolerance for misalignment in high-density panel configurations.
3Ease of operation
If clearance is provided between connector and adapter housing, then ease of insertion is improved, but the connector tilt is exacerbated during full insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the offset latch mechanism to preemptively counteract the tilting effect that would result from clearance during insertion. The asymmetric latch position creates a compensating moment in advance that opposes the potential tilt, ensuring that even with clearance present for smooth insertion, the ferrule maintains proper horizontal alignment throughout the insertion process and when fully mated.
Data Source
AI summary
The fiber optic connector according to the present disclosure may include a main housing having a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end in a longitudinal direction, defining a passage extending from the front end to the rear end and having a top side and a bottom side; a ferrule carrying a plurality of fibers and accommodated in the passage; a latch provided on the top side of the main body and configured to release the connector from an adapter port; and a back post connected to the rear end of the main housing, wherein the main housing includes an adjustment mechanism to ensure the connector is inserted into the adapter port in a desired state.