High-Density Fiber Optic Connector with Flexible Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-density fiber optic connectors require significant pulling force for operation and are inefficient in interchanging sub-assembly housings, often necessitating tools and being inconvenient due to inverted clamped structures.
Innovation Solution
A high-density fiber optic connector design featuring flexible structural protrusions and a push-pull tab with rectangular guide openings, allowing for easy horizontal movement with minimal force and enabling interchangeable sub-assembly housings, along with a cable boot for secure connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism with hook portion is used to connect sub-assembly housings to connector housing, then the connection is secure, but a large pulling force is required to operate the push-pull tab
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional latch mechanism by making the lever flexible and allowing it to bend backward during insertion. Instead of using a rigid hook that requires strong pulling force to disengage, the flexible lever naturally bends and snaps into place, providing secure connection with minimal operating force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lever from rigid to flexible by selecting materials and designing the structure with appropriate flexibility. This parameter change allows the lever to bend during insertion and maintain a snap-fit connection, reducing the force required for operation while maintaining connection security.
2Reliability
If inverted clamped structures are used to attach sub-assembly housings, then the connection is secure, but tool removal is required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the attachment approach by using a push-to-connect mechanism instead of inverted clamps. The flexible lever bends backward during insertion and snaps into place, allowing tool-free attachment and detachment. This inversion eliminates the need for tools while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lever mechanism is self-actuating during insertion. When the connector is pushed in, the lever automatically bends backward and snaps into the locked position without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms. This self-service characteristic enables easy interchangeability of sub-assembly housings.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid structural protrusions are used in the lever, then manufacturing is simpler, but the lever cannot bend backward during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical property of the structural protrusion from rigid to flexible by selecting appropriate materials and designing the cross-sectional geometry. The protrusion is made flexible enough to bend backward during insertion but maintains sufficient structural integrity to provide a secure snap-fit connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may use composite materials or material combinations that provide both flexibility and structural strength. The lever material is selected to have appropriate elastic properties, allowing the structural protrusion to bend during insertion while maintaining the necessary strength for reliable connection.
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
The design reduces the required force for operation and enhances efficiency by allowing easy interchangeability of sub-assembly housings, improving the convenience and functionality of fiber optic connectors.
Implementation Method 1
having a first structural protrusion disposed on a back end of the first housing lever, wherein the first structural protrusion is suspended above a back top surface of the first housing body and is flexible
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A high-density fiber optic connector configured to operate with a first optical fiber cable, a second optical fiber cable, and a dual fiber optic cable adapter, is provided. The high-density fiber optic connector comprises a two-piece connector housing, configured to open and close and form a first and second housing through port, a first and second sub-assembly housing, and a push-pull tab. When the two-piece connector housing is opened, the first and second sub-assembly housings can be interchanged, such that the first sub-assembly housing is engaged and fixed in the second housing through port and a front end thereof is coupled to a second receiving port of the dual fiber optic cable adapter and the second sub-assembly housing is engaged and fixed in the first housing through port and a front end thereof is coupled to a first receiving port of the dual fiber optic cable adapter.