Connector Plug Stopper Prevents Unintended Latch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely packed optical fiber connector systems, operators often inadvertently release the fitting of neighboring connector plugs when attaching or detaching them from adapters, leading to erroneous operations, particularly with slider-based designs where the fitting can be easily released.
Innovation Solution
A connector plug design featuring a slider that elastically deforms the latch towards the plug body when detaching, with a detachable stopper that restricts the slider's operation, preventing unintended release by attaching between the plug body and slider, thus ensuring secure attachment and detachment without compromising usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slider is provided on the connector plug to enable easy attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to erroneous operation causing unintended release
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper member is introduced as an intermediary component between the slider and the latch. The stopper includes a contact portion that contacts the latch and a blocking portion that blocks the slider's movement. When the stopper is in place, it mediates the interaction between the slider and latch, preventing the slider from directly releasing the latch unless the stopper is first removed or moved.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector plug is segmented into functional components: the slider for operation, the stopper for protection, and the latch for locking. The stopper can be detachably removed from the connector plug body, allowing the slider to function normally when the stopper is removed, while providing protection when the stopper is attached.
2Volume of stationary object
If adaptors are densely provided to downsize the device, then the volume is reduced, but the harmful factors increase due to accidental touching of neighboring connector plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper member provides preliminary protection against erroneous operation before any accidental touching can occur. By pre-installing the stopper on the connector plug, the system proactively prevents potential harmful effects of dense packing, requiring intentional removal of the stopper before the slider can operate.
3Ease of operation
If the slider is made capable of elastically deforming the latch for easy release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens as the fitting can be easily released unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper's contact portion acts as an intermediary between the slider and the latch. It allows the slider to elastically deform the latch when intended (when stopper is removed), but blocks this action when the stopper is in place, preventing unintentional release while maintaining the capability for easy release when needed.
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 effectively prevents erroneous operation of the slider, maintaining the attachability and detachability of the connector plug while ensuring the fitting to the adapter is not unintentionally released, thereby enhancing operational safety and reliability in dense optical fiber connector systems.
Implementation Method 1
the slider is configured to be capable of elastically deforming the latch toward the outer surface of the plug body, when the slider is slid in a detaching direction
Implementation Method 2
when the stopper is attached between the plug body and the slider, the stopper restricts the slider from elastically deform the latch toward the outer surface of the plug body
Data Source
AI summary
A connector plug, having: a plug body that houses an optical fiber inside; a latch that is supported on an outer surface of the plug body to be capable of being engaged with the adapter; a slider that is supported on the plug body to be slidable with respect to the plug body; and a stopper that is detachably attachable between the plug body and the slider, wherein the slider is capable of elastically deforming the latch toward the outer surface of the plug body, when the slider is slid in a detaching direction which is a direction of drawing the connector plug out of the adapter, the slider elastically deforms the latch toward the outer surface of the plug body, and when the stopper is attached between the plug body and the slider, the stopper restricts the slider from elastically deforming the latch toward the outer surface of the plug body.