Fiber Connector Lock Assembly for Tool-Controlled Disconnection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FC style fiber connectors lack a secondary engineering control to prevent manual disconnection, posing risks from hazardous laser emissions or critical system disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A fiber connector lock assembly comprising two lock portions that fit over the connector, requiring a tool for access, ensuring secure attachment and preventing inadvertent disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual threading is used for FC connectors, then ease of connection is improved, but safety and security are worsened due to risk of inadvertent disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate lock portions that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain ease of manual connection while adding a secondary locking stage that prevents inadvertent disconnection, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A tool acts as an intermediary mechanism to engage the locking portions after manual connection is achieved. The tool provides a controlled secondary action that secures the connector without requiring the user to manually manipulate complex locking mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation while enhancing safety and security.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent disconnection, then safety and security are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking mechanism into two separate lock portions, each portion can be relatively simple in structure while collectively providing the necessary security function. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component compared to a single integrated locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portions are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing when the appropriate tool is applied. The mechanism automatically engages and locks without requiring complex control systems, multiple actuators, or sophisticated user manipulation, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving enhanced security.
3Reliability
If a tool-activated lock is used, then safety and security are improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to additional tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool serves as an intermediary that simplifies the locking operation. Instead of requiring the user to manually manipulate complex locking mechanisms, the tool provides a straightforward secondary action that engages the locking portions, making the enhanced security feature as easy to operate as the original connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portions are pre-positioned and pre-configured on the connector, ready to engage automatically when the tool is applied. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex user manipulation during the locking process, maintaining ease of operation while providing enhanced security.
Data Source
AI summary
FC style connectors do not afford a secondary engineering control that would prevent the removal of the connector. Exemplary locks include a first lock portion; and a second lock portion. The first and second lock portions are configured to fit over a fiber connector, and wherein the first and second lock portions are selectably rigidly fixable to each other. Exemplary embodiments allow for the locking of potentially hazardous, or critical systems, to prevent inadvertent disconnection.