Optical Fiber Connector Handle for Dense Rack Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connectors are difficult to manage in crowded environments due to the lack of a mechanism for both pulling and pushing forces, making it hard to insert or remove them from adapters in dense settings like cabinets or racks.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber connector design includes a handle that adjusts in length and features a point-contact configuration with an outer shell and inner shell, allowing for backward movement to detach and forward pushing to insert the connector, utilizing a push block and elastic components for easy handling in dense spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional optical fiber connector is provided with a handle for pulling the connector out of the apparatus, then the ease of operation for removing the connector is improved, but the handle cannot provide a push force for the mating between the optical fiber connector and the fiber adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be pulled backward to detach the connector from the fiber adapter, and it can be pushed forward to insert the connector into the fiber adapter. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both removal and insertion purposes, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
2Productivity
If several optical fiber connectors are mated with the panel of the apparatus in a dense and crowded manner, then the productivity and space utilization are improved, but it is not easy for the user to pull out the connector from the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to move backward relative to the outer shell when pulled by the user. This dynamic design enables the user to access and pull the handle even when connectors are densely arranged, as the handle extends outward providing leverage and grip access that would be unavailable with a static, flush-mounted design.
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 enables easy insertion and removal of optical fiber connectors in dense environments by providing both pulling and pushing capabilities, improving usability and efficiency in crowded installations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, and the spring is located between the connection head and the front end of the inner shell
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes an inner shell, an outer shell, and a handle. The outer shell is fitted over the inner shell. Two clamping arms are respectively extending from two ends of a side portion of the handle. Accordingly, since the handle and the outer shell are in a point-contact configuration, when a user pulls the handle, the handle drives the outer shell to move backwardly via the configuration and further compress the spring in the inner shell. Therefore, the connector can be detached from the fiber adapter. Conversely, when the user pushes the handle, the push block on the handle pushes the tail cap due to the mating between the push block and the tail cap, so that the optical fiber connector can be inserted into the fiber adapter.