Connector Boot Inversion for High-Density Adapter Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connectors require a larger operation space to release the interlock between the connector and adapter, limiting the high-density arrangement of adapters on an assemble panel.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where an elastic locking member is shifted by moving a boot backward to release the interlock, incorporating an automatic restoration mechanism with a spring to restore the boot to its initial position, allowing for direct boot movement to unlock the connector from the adapter without pressing the slanting arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conventional locking mechanism with slanting arm is used, then the interlock between connector and adapter is reliable, but the operation space required for releasing the interlock is large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pressing the slanting arm forward to release the lock (conventional method), the invention inverts the operation by pulling the boot backward to release the lock. The boot's rearward movement drives the slanting arm to rotate counterclockwise, causing the locking protrusion to disengage from the locking groove. This inversion reduces the required operation space while maintaining reliable interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving arm serves as an intermediary mechanism between the boot and the slanting arm. When the boot moves backward, it drives the driving arm, which in turn rotates the slanting arm to release the lock. This intermediary mechanism translates the boot's linear motion into the slanting arm's rotational motion, enabling compact locking release with reduced operation space.
2Ease of operation
If the slanting arm is pressed from sides to release interlock, then the connector can be separated from adapter, but the space between adjacent adapters on assemble panel cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional release operation from pressing the slanting arm forward to pulling the boot backward. This inversion allows the locking mechanism to be released within a compact space, enabling adjacent adapters to be positioned closer together on the assemble panel while maintaining easy connector separation.
3Ease of operation
If enough operation space is left on assemble panel, then the operator can easily press the slanting arm, but the adapters cannot be arranged in high density
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the release operation to pull the boot backward instead of pressing the slanting arm forward, the invention reduces the operation space required on the assemble panel. This enables higher density arrangement of adapters while maintaining ease of operation through the simplified boot-pulling action.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot's rearward movement automatically drives the driving arm and slanting arm to rotate, causing the locking protrusion to disengage from the locking groove. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for precise manual pressing of the slanting arm, simplifying the operation and enabling compact adapter arrangement.
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
This design reduces the operation space needed for plugging and pulling the connector, enabling higher density arrangement of adapters and connectors on the assemble panel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to generate elastic deform with a movement of the boot relative to the connector body so as to produce a resilience force for restoring the boot to the initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for coupling with an adapter, comprising: at least one connector body each having a first end capable of being inserted into the adapter; at least one locking mechanism; and a boot movably engaged with the connector body. Each of the at least one locking mechanism comprising: a slanting arm extending slantingly and upwardly from the respective connector body; at least one locking protrusion configured to extend from sides of the slanting arm to lock the connector body into locking grooves of the adapter; and a driving arm having a first end connected to the slanting arm. Wherein a second end of the driving arm is connected to the boot and is movable together with the boot to drive the slanting arm connected with the first end of the driving arm to approach a horizontal direction. When an angle between the slanting arm and the horizontal direction becomes smaller than a predetermined angle, the locking protrusion starts to be separated from the locking groove of the adapter, so that an interlock between the connector body and the adapter is unlocked.