Fiber Optic Adapter External Latches Dust Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic connectors face connection issues due to debris and dust entering the adapter through latch openings, and metallic clips used to prevent this add cost and noise.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic adapter design with external latches and latch receptacles that do not penetrate the main body, maintaining a continuous separation between the inner and outer surfaces to prevent dust and debris from entering the connector mating space, and eliminating the need for separate metallic clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latch openings are provided in the adapter body to allow latches to flex through, then the latches can attach the adapter to the panel, but debris and dust can enter the internal space and cause connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted from the internal space of the adapter body. The latches are positioned externally and engage with the panel through openings that do not penetrate into the internal space where fiber optic connectors mate. This separation prevents debris generated during latching from contaminating the connector mating area, thus maintaining connection reliability while avoiding contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a metallic clip is installed as a separate component over the adapter body, then it can prevent dust entry, but it adds cost and labor costs for manual installation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism and the protective function are merged into a single integrated design. The external latches serve both the attachment function and the protective function by engaging through openings that do not compromise the sealed internal space. This eliminates the need for separate metallic clips or covers, reducing component count and eliminating manual installation requirements while maintaining dust prevention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If metallic clips are used to prevent dust entry, then connection protection is improved, but rattling noise is generated due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted from separate metallic clips and integrated into the latch mechanism itself. The external latches engage with the panel in a manner that provides stable mechanical coupling without loose fittings that could rattle. By positioning the latches externally and ensuring proper engagement geometry, the design achieves connection protection without generating vibration-induced noise.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If separate metallic clips are manually installed, then dust prevention is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function and the attachment function are merged into the same latch mechanism. The external latches provide both secure attachment to the panel and protection against dust entry through their engagement geometry and positioning. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective clips that would require additional manual installation steps, thereby reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining dust prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter has a main body with a central opening extending between two sides and latches to engage a panel into which the adapter is disposed. The main body also includes latch receptacles on an outside portion to receive the latches when compressed during insertion into the panel. The receptacles are not in communication with the central opening, preventing dirt and debris from entering the central opening from around the latches.