Fiber Optic Adapter Rounded Edges Reduce Latch Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic adapters with high latch friction cause surface wear and increased debris generation, but low friction risks connector slippage, failing to balance alignment security and wear reduction effectively.
Innovation Solution
The fiber optic adapter and connector design feature rounded edges on protrusions with specific radii of curvature, allowing for adjustable friction based on insertion speed, reducing debris while maintaining secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger friction is provided between the latch and connector, then connector alignment security is improved, but surface wear increases and debris generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding the edges of the protrusion on the latch arm. Specifically, the edges formed between the third surface and the second and fourth surfaces are rounded with a radius of curvature of 0.1mm to 0.7mm. This curvature modification reduces stress concentration and surface wear during mating operations, thereby reducing debris generation while maintaining adequate friction for connector security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies geometric parameters of the protrusion surfaces, specifically the radius of curvature of edges and the configuration of surfaces (first, second, third, fourth surfaces and side faces). These parameter changes optimize the balance between friction force for alignment security and surface wear reduction, achieving lower debris generation while maintaining reliable connector engagement.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If smaller friction is provided between the latch and connector, then surface wear is reduced, but connector alignment security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded edges with specific radius of curvature (0.1mm to 0.7mm) distribute contact stress more evenly during connector mating and latching operations. This reduces peak stresses that cause surface wear and debris, while the overall protrusion geometry maintains sufficient friction for secure alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimized surface configuration and edge rounding parameters create a balance where friction is sufficient for security but contact stresses are reduced to minimize wear. The multi-surface design (first, second, third, fourth surfaces) distributes loading more evenly compared to sharp-edged protrusions.
Data Source
AI summary
The fiber optic adapter of the present invention includes a hollow housing, an arm and a protrusion. The arm is disposed in the housing and one end thereof is coupled to the housing. The protrusion is disposed on the arm for engaging with a protrusion on a fiber optic connector. The protrusion on the arm has a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a first side face and a second side face. The first, second, third and fourth surfaces are connected to the first and second side faces. The second surface is located between the first surface and the third surface. The third surface is located between the second surface and the fourth surface. The fourth surface is closer to the junction of the arm and the housing than the third surface. The edges formed between the third surface and the second and fourth surfaces are not sharp. The edges are round edges and have a radius of curvature ranged from 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm. The present invention further provides a fiber optic connector.