Fiber Optical Connector Latch Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optical connectors require complex assembly processes and additional components like outer clamp shells, making them difficult to assemble in field settings effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hardened fiber optical connector design featuring a barrel with latches and a ferrule housing sub-assembly that allows for easy field assembly by eliminating the need for an outer clamp shell, using a preterminated fiber optic cable with a ferrule directly attached to the inner housing and secured by latches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional outer barrel with clamp shell arrangement is used, then secure and stable connector assembly is achieved, but assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the outer clamp shell component from the traditional connector assembly, extracting only the essential retention function and integrating it directly into the barrel structure through built-in latches. This eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining secure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the retention function previously performed by separate clamp shells and outer housings directly into the barrel component itself. The latches are integrated into the barrel structure, combining multiple functions (barrel containment, clamp shell retention, outer housing securing) into a single unified component.
2Reliability
If multiple components (outer clamp shell, outer housing) are used, then secure connector assembly is achieved, but field assembly ease decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retention function into discrete latch elements that can be independently engaged, allowing for modular assembly. The latches are positioned at specific locations along the barrel to provide staged retention, making the assembly process more manageable in field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latches are designed to automatically engage and secure the ferrule holder carrier and optical fiber cable in place as the barrel is assembled, eliminating the need for separate manual retention steps. The barrel structure itself performs the retention function without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optical connector that includes a barrel, one or more latches, and a ferrule housing sub-assembly. The barrel includes an inner lumen that is configured to receive an optical fiber cable, and the barrel has a first end and a second end. The one or more latches extend from the first end of the barrel. Additionally, the ferrule housing sub-assembly includes a ferrule holder carrier that is configured to receive a ferrule. The latches engage with the ferrule holder carrier in order to secure the barrel with the ferrule housing sub-assembly.