Optical Fiber Connector with Injection-Molded Hook Locks

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical fiber connectors require multiple parts, leading to high manufacturing costs and lengthy installation times due to their complex design.

Innovation Solution

The optical fiber connector design is simplified by using a main body with injection-molded cubes and hook-like structures to securely lock optical fiber sub-assemblies, reducing the number of components and incorporating a sleeve and plug system for efficient assembly, which includes features like notches, holes, and grooves for precise alignment and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple separate parts are used for each optical fiber connector, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled, but the manufacturing cost increases and installation time lengthens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (adapter body, locking mechanism, positioning features) into a single integrated connector housing formed by injection molding. The housing includes integrated first and second cubes with built-in hook-like locking structures and positioning notches, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing the total part count while maintaining assembly/disassembly functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, includes integrated locking mechanisms (hook-like structures), provides positioning features (notches and gaps), and enables both assembly and disassembly operations. This multi-functional design reduces the number of specialized components needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate parts are used for each optical fiber connector, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (adapter body, locking mechanism, positioning features) into a single integrated connector housing formed by injection molding. The housing includes integrated first and second cubes with built-in hook-like locking structures and positioning notches, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing the total part count while maintaining assembly/disassembly functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The injection molding process automatically forms complex three-dimensional structures, internal cavities, and precise geometric features (hooks, notches, gaps) directly during manufacturing, eliminating the need for subsequent machining, assembly, or post-processing operations that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple separate parts are used for each optical fiber connector, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled, but the installation time lengthens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (adapter body, locking mechanism, positioning features) into a single integrated connector housing formed by injection molding. The housing includes integrated first and second cubes with built-in hook-like locking structures and positioning notches, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing the total part count while maintaining assembly/disassembly functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking structures (hook-like features), positioning notches, and alignment gaps are pre-formed during the injection molding process, so no additional assembly steps are needed to install these features. The connector is prepared for immediate assembly and disassembly operations, reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9933583B2Optical fiber connector and optical fiber connector component system

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An optical fiber connector includes a main body (1), a sleeve (2), and a plug (3). The main body (1) includes a first cube and a second cube that are formed by means of injection molding, where a first cavity (1o) is disposed inside the first cube, and the first cavity (1o) is used to adapt to an optical fiber sub-assembly inserted from a first end face of the first cube; at least two hook-like structures (1n) are formed, by means of injection molding, on the first cube extending from a second end face that is parallel to the first end face into the first cavity (1o), and the hook-like structures (1n) are used to tightly lock the optical fiber sub-assembly when the optical fiber sub-assembly is inserted from the first end face.