Optical Fiber Connector Segmented Pull Handle for High-Density Disassembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical fiber connectors, such as the LC connector, are difficult to disassemble due to their small size and the formation of obstacles in high-density connection environments, making it challenging for users to remove them efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The optical fiber connector employs a pull handle and a linkage mechanism, where the linkage member is pivotally connected to a fastener and abuts against a clip arm, allowing the connector housing module to be easily removed from a target object by applying a force in a single direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the optical fiber connector is made small for high-density connection, then the connection density is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection densityVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional modules: a connector housing module containing the optical fiber connection components, a fastener for securing, a linkage member for actuation, and a pull handle for user operation. This segmentation allows the small connector body to be integrated into high-density configurations while the separate pull handle provides ergonomic disassembly capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A linkage member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pull handle and the fastener/connector housing. When the user pulls the handle, the linkage member translates this linear motion into rotational motion that actuates the fastener, thereby releasing the connector housing module from the adapter without requiring direct manipulation of the small connector components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the connector components are configured compactly for high-density environment, then the space utilization is improved, but the disassembly path is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddisassembly path
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pull handle extends outward from the compact connector housing in a direction perpendicular to the connection interface, utilizing vertical or lateral space rather than horizontal connection space. This dimensional extension allows the disassembly operation to occur in a different spatial plane, avoiding interference from peripheral obstacles in high-density environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If the connector size is reduced, then the connection density is improved, but the ease of holding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection densityVSAvoidease of holding
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is segmented into a compact connector housing module and a separate pull handle. The connector housing module maintains small dimensions for high-density connection, while the pull handle provides a larger, ergonomically designed gripping surface for easy user manipulation during disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables users to unlock and pull out the connector housing module with ease, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by high-density environments and improving the operation convenience of the optical fiber connector.

Implementation Method 1

The linkage member is pivotally connected to the fastener and movably abuts against the clip arm. When the connector housing module is inserted into the target object, the pull handle is adapted to be forced to drive the linkage member to pivot relative to the fastener and press against the clip arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical leverage: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3722849B1Optical fiber connector
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 ACON OPTICS COMM INC
  • EP3722849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3722849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3722849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical fiber connector includes a connector housing module, a fastener, a linkage member, and a pull handle. The connector housing module includes at least one clip arm, and the connector housing module is adapted to be inserted into a target object and buckled to the target object by the clip arm. The fastener buckles the connector housing module. The linkage member is pivotally connected to the fastener and movably abuts against the clip arm. The pull handle movably passes between the fastener and the linkage member to be connected to the linkage member. When the connector housing module is inserted into the target object, the pull handle is adapted to be forced to drive the linkage member to pivot relative to the fastener and press against the clip arm, so as to remove a buckling state between the clip arm and the target object and pull the connector housing module out of the target object.