Fiber Optic Connector Trigger Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs for telecommunication cable assemblies lack effective mechanisms to prevent accidental disengagement of fiber optic connectors from adapters, despite incorporating locking features, and there is a need for improved security and indication of the connector's operational state.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a locking member that moves between a forward, unlocked position and a rearward, locked position, preventing trigger activation and providing visual indication of the connector's locked state, thereby enhancing secure engagement and easy access for user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member is added to prevent trigger activation, then connector security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the connector body structure, utilizing the existing trigger mechanism space. The locking member integrates with the housing and trigger assembly without requiring separate external locking components, thereby preventing trigger activation while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the trigger and the latch arm. It selectively blocks or permits trigger movement based on its position, providing a controlled interface that enhances security while maintaining the existing operational mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a locking member is made visible for indication, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member incorporates visual indication features such as color-coded elements or visible positional indicators that change appearance based on the locked/unlocked state. This allows users to easily determine connector status without adding complex electronic indicators or additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it prevents trigger activation when engaged, provides visual indication of connector status, and maintains structural integrity. By combining these functions in a single component, the design improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the locking member prevents trigger movement completely, then connector security is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be moved between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic feature enables complete prevention of trigger movement when locked for security, while still permitting easy access and operation when unlocked by simply repositioning the locking member.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member can be easily repositioned by the user without requiring tools or complex mechanisms. The design allows the user to self-service the locking/unlocking function by simply moving the locking member to the appropriate position, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security when locked.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A fiber optic connector (10) includes a connector sub-assembly (12a) having a connector body (18), a latch arm (26) extending outwardly and rearwardly from a portion of the connector body, a housing (34) in which a rear portion of the connector sub-assembly (12a) is received, and a trigger (38) extending outwardly from the housing (34) and over the end of the latch arm (26). An end of the latch arm (26) can be depressed toward the connector body (18), and the trigger (38) is configured to flex toward the housing (34) to depress the latch arm (26). The connector (10) includes a locking member (40) movable between a rearward position in which the locking member (40) prevents the trigger (38) from depressing the latch arm (26), and a forward position in which the locking member (40) allows the trigger (38) to depress the latch arm (26).