Fiber Optic Connector Slider Assembly for Secure Latching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connectors often fail to engage properly due to accidental pushing of the one-piece slider, which prevents the adapter latches from inserting into the latch receptacles, leading to improper connection or disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a slider assembly with movable inner and outer units, where the inner unit obstructs or unobstructs the latch receptacles based on its position, allowing for controlled engagement and disengagement with adapter latches, facilitated by spring biasing and manual manipulation of the outer unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece slider is used in the MPO connector, then the connector structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the connector is prone to accidental pushing that prevents proper engagement with adapter latches
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is divided into two separate units: an inner slider unit and an outer slider unit. The inner unit can move independently relative to the outer unit, allowing it to clear the latch receptacles during engagement while the outer unit remains in position. This segmentation prevents the accidental disconnection problem while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the inner unit is always in the forward position obstructing latch receptacles, then accidental disconnection is prevented, but proper engagement with adapter latches cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The inner slider unit is made dynamic rather than fixed. It can be moved rearward relative to the outer unit during engagement to clear the latch receptacles, then returns to the forward position to obstruct them and prevent accidental disconnection. This dynamic movement allows the system to switch between engagement and security states.
3Ease of operation
If the slider assembly allows free movement during engagement, then proper latching can occur, but accidental pushing may cause improper disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The slider assembly is segmented into inner and outer units with independent movement capabilities. The inner unit handles the latching operation by moving rearward to clear receptacles and forward to obstruct them, while the outer unit maintains its position and provides structural stability. This segmentation allows engagement flexibility while preventing accidental disengagement.
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
Ensures proper engagement and disengagement of the connector with the adapter, preventing accidental disconnection and streamlining the installation process while maintaining secure latching.
Implementation Method 1
The inner unit may be biased by one or more springs toward its forward position
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule, a housing received over the ferrule, and a slider assembly mounted to the housing. The housing includes left and right sides each having a latch receptacle for receiving at least a portion of an adapter latch. The slider assembly includes a first unit movable relative to the housing between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the first unit at least partially obstructs the latch receptacles when the first unit is in its forward position, and each of the latch receptacles is at least partially unobstructed by (e.g., substantially not obstructed by) the first unit when the first unit is in its rearward position. The slider assembly also includes a second unit movable relative to the housing between a forward position and a rearward position.