Duplex Optical Connector Latch Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density optical connector installations face challenges with access to latches due to increased connection density, leading to complexity, cost, and the risk of separate actuators becoming detached and lost, necessitating a solution for remote latch release without increasing connector profile or part count, while also facilitating polarity reversal and ferrule alignment.
Innovation Solution
A duplex optical connector design featuring a holder with rotatable optical connectors, a slidably attached cable boot, and a removably attached clip with lever mechanism that allows for lateral movement and rotation of connectors, enabling simultaneous latch release and polarity reversal without additional actuators, using elongated connector openings and diametrically opposed facets for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate actuators such as pull tabs are used to facilitate remote latch release, then latch accessibility is improved, but connector profile, complexity, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pull tab actuator and the release lever into a single integrated component. The pull tab is formed as part of the release lever structure, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining remote latch release functionality. This merging reduces connector complexity and part count while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for latch release and the structural support element. The lever's body provides both the mechanical advantage for releasing the latch and the structural framework that would otherwise require separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate actuators such as pull tabs are used to facilitate remote latch release, then latch accessibility is improved, but connector profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is integrated into the release lever structure rather than being a separate component. This integration eliminates the need for additional length to accommodate separate actuators, maintaining a compact connector profile while enabling remote latch release through the lever's built-in tab structure.
3Ease of operation
If separate actuators such as pull tabs are used to facilitate remote latch release, then latch accessibility is improved, but part count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pull tab actuator and release lever into a single molded component, reducing the part count. This eliminates the need for separate actuators and their associated assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing and reducing the number of parts that can become detached or lost.
4Productivity
If high-density optical connector installations are implemented, then connection density is improved, but access to latches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever provides mechanical advantage through its lever arm geometry, allowing operators to access and actuate latches from a distance. The lever's extended structure reaches into tight spaces between densely packed connectors, enabling latch operation without requiring direct access to the latch mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the operator's hand and the difficult-to-reach latch mechanism. By providing a longer lever arm and mechanical advantage, it enables remote actuation of latches in high-density configurations where direct manual operation would be difficult or impossible.
Data Source
AI summary
A duplex optical connector includes a holder, a pair of optical connectors rotatably disposed in the holder, a cable boot slidably attached to the holder, and a clip removably attached to the holder. The clip functions to maintain a lateral position of the optical connectors relative to the holder and transfer applied force on the pull boot into actuating force on the connector latches. Connector openings formed in the holder are elongated in the lateral direction to provide separate use and polarity reversal connector positions, wherein the connectors non-rotatably engage the holder in their use position and rotatably engage the holder in their polarity reversal position.