Optical Fiber Adapter Press-Lock Structure for Confined Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors require large operation spaces for locking and unlocking, making them impractical in scenarios with limited space and prone to inconsistent locking and loosening due to uneven manual forces.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber adapter and connector plug system utilizing a straight-plugging and pressing type locking mechanism with elastic locking structures, allowing for reduced space requirements and reliable connection through simple straight-plugging and pressing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber connectors are frequently connected and disconnected, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but dust particles enter the connection portion causing contact resistance and signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The dust cap is nested within the connector structure, specifically stored in a recess of the adapter body. When the connector is not in use, the dust cap automatically returns to and is stored within the adapter, eliminating the need for separate storage and ensuring the connection portion is always protected from dust contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust cap is equipped with a resilient biasing mechanism that automatically returns the cap to its protective position within the adapter after the connector is inserted or removed. This self-actuating system eliminates the need for manual operation and ensures consistent protection without additional user intervention.
2Reliability
If a dust cap is provided to protect the connection portion, then signal transmission quality is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dust cap protection mechanism is merged with the adapter body structure. The recess for storing the dust cap is formed directly in the adapter, and the resilient biasing mechanism is integrated into the same component. This consolidation eliminates separate protection devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective dust protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual operation is required to store the dust cap, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dust cap incorporates a resilient biasing mechanism that automatically returns the cap to its protective position within the adapter after the connector is inserted or removed. This self-actuating system eliminates the need for manual operation and ensures consistent protection without additional user intervention, while the simple resilient mechanism remains easy to manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical fiber adapter. The optical fiber adapter (200) comprises: an adapter body (210), the adapter body (210) being provided with a first slot (2106), the first slot (2106) being used for connecting to an optical fiber connector (100) in insertion fashion; a first locking structure (230), the first locking structure (230) being provided on the adapter body (210) and being used for engaging with a second locking structure (126) of an optical fiber connector plug (100) to fix the optical fiber adapter (200) and the optical fiber connector plug (100); and a press member (240), the press member (240) being connected to the adapter body (210), and the press member (240) being capable of sliding with respect to the adapter body (210) to drive the first locking structure (230) and the second locking structure (126) to be unlocked. Also provided are an optical fiber connector plug, a connector assembly comprising the optical fiber adapter and the optical fiber connector plug, and a communications device comprising the optical fiber adapter. The optical fiber adapter of such a structure is high in practicability and wide in application range.