Fiber Optic Connector Latch Extension for Dense Panel Unlatching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density fiber optic connector environments, accessing and unlatching connectors becomes difficult due to the placement of latch triggers far forward, making removal cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications connector design featuring rotatable front housings with pivotable latches and a movable boot that facilitates easy unlatching by sliding the boot away from the yoke, allowing the latches to pivot and release from the adapter without direct engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch trigger is placed far forward on the connector, then the connector can be securely latched to the adapter, but accessing and unlatching the connector becomes difficult in high-density environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a latch trigger extension that acts as an intermediary element, extending the latch trigger rearwardly beyond the front housing portion. This extension provides a new interface for accessing and actuating the latch mechanism from the rear of the connector, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining secure latching and enabling easy access in high-density environments.
2Reliability
If the latch trigger is positioned far forward, then the latch can effectively engage the adapter, but direct engagement requires precise positioning and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The latch trigger extension serves as a mediator that transfers the unlatching force from the rear of the connector to the latch mechanism. This intermediary structure allows operators to access and actuate the latch without requiring precise positioning of fingers or tools at the forward latch trigger location, thereby reducing operational precision requirements while maintaining reliable engagement.
3Device complexity
If the connector uses a conventional latch design with forward-placed trigger, then the structure remains simple, but removal becomes cumbersome in dense panel environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the latch trigger into two distinct parts: the original latch trigger portion that engages the adapter, and the extension portion that extends rearwardly beyond the front housing. This segmentation allows the trigger to fulfill dual functions - maintaining simple engagement mechanics while providing extended accessibility for unlatching operations in high-density configurations.
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
Enables easy and efficient unlatching of connectors in dense panel environments by allowing the boot to move longitudinally, pivoting the latches and releasing the connector from the adapter with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is used to bias the ferrule assembly in a forward direction relative to the connector housing
Implementation Method 2
a latch trigger that is permanently attached to the latch at a rearwardmost portion of the latch and extends rearwardly beyond a rear end of the front housing portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications connector. The connector includes at least one connector portion including a front housing portion coupled to a rear housing portion. The front housing portion defines a front end and a rear end, the front housing portion including a ferrule terminating a cable fixed to the at least one connector portion, the front housing portion further including a latch that is configured to contact a fiber optic adapter for locking the connector to the fiber optic adapter when the connector is inserted into the fiber optic adapter, wherein the latch is movable about a connection location on the front housing portion. The latch defines a permanently attached rear extension that extends rearward past the rear end of the front housing portion, the rear extension configured to be contacted for moving the latch for freeing the connector from the fiber optic adapter.