Fiber Optic Connector Push-Pull Latching for Ingress Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ingress-protected fiber optic connection systems rely on cumbersome coupling nuts for locking and unlocking, which can be difficult to use and may not provide effective protection against moisture and contaminants.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic connector and adapter system that uses a push-pull mechanism for locking and unlocking, featuring a lock and extractor mechanism that allows for secure mating and easy extraction without rotating parts, combined with an expandable outer portion on the adapter for resilient latching and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional coupling nuts are used for locking and unlocking, then secure connection is achieved, but operation complexity increases and misalignment risk occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidlocking and unlocking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical coupling nut system with a push-pull latching mechanism. The connector housing includes a latch knob that engages with a latch feature on the adapter, eliminating the need for rotating or threading operations. This substitution maintains secure connection while dramatically simplifying the locking and unlocking operations to simple linear movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a spring-loaded lock that automatically engages when the connector is inserted, rather than requiring manual engagement of a coupling nut. The extractor mechanism reverses the locking action by pulling rather than pushing, creating an intuitive push-to-lock, pull-to-unlock operation that is more reliable and easier to execute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If coupling nuts are used for locking, then connection security is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coupling nut from the system entirely, removing the source of complexity. The locking function is achieved through a simplified latch knob and latch feature mechanism that requires fewer parts and assembly steps. The spring-loaded lock and extractor are integrated into the connector housing, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the latch knob for engagement, the latch feature for reception, the spring-loaded lock for automatic securing, and the extractor for release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity compared to the monolithic coupling nut design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then connection security is achieved, but susceptibility to moisture and debris increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmoisture and contaminants ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a seal between the connector housing and adapter that prevents moisture and contaminant ingress. The push-pull latching mechanism creates a more reliable seal compared to conventional coupling nuts, as the linear engagement forces the sealing surfaces together more effectively, blocking harmful factors from entering the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Provides a robust, user-friendly, and ingress-protected fiber optic connection that ensures secure locking and easy unlocking, while maintaining effective moisture and debris protection.

Implementation Method 1

The expandable outer portion of the wall is resiliently expandable. The expandable outer portion of the wall is configured to resiliently expand as the outer housing moves inward toward the mating position and to resiliently rebound when the connector housing arrives at the mating position such that the expandable outer portion snaps onto the connector housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResilient expansion and rebound: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A spring-loaded lock and extractor to facilitate axial insertion and extraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring loading: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12631833B2Fiber optic connection system and fiber optic connector

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 SENKO ADVANCED COMPONENTS INC

AI summary

In a fiber optic connection system, an adapter has an expandable wall portion that snaps onto a connector and latches with a latch knob of the connector housing. A lock and an extractor are disposed on the connector housing. During insertion, the extractor is in a forward position as the connector housing is inserted into the adapter. The adapter moves the lock backward relative to the housing and extractor, toward an unlocking position, until the adapter snaps onto the latch knob. Then the lock returns to the locking position to lock the connector to the adapter. To extracts the connector, the extractor is pulled backward. This moves the lock backward to unlock the connector from the adapter. Further pulling unlatches the adapter from the latch knob by expanding the expandable wall portion and extracts the connector.