Latch Protection Clip for RJ Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
RJ-type connectors often have issues with latches getting caught when cables are pulled, leading to potential damage or misalignment of trigger components, which can cause further damage, and existing solutions either complicate the housing or lead to misalignment issues with separate trigger components.
Innovation Solution
A latch protection clip with a clip body and trigger mechanism that secures to the cable, featuring a lever arm and trigger handle with pockets to actuate the latch and restrict lateral movement, preventing rotation and snagging, thus protecting the latch and maintaining alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a separate trigger component is coupled to the fiber-optic cable, then the housing is not lengthened or enlarged, but relative movement occurs between the housing and trigger component causing misalignment and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger component is integrated with the latch by forming the trigger as an extension of the latch body itself, eliminating the separate component and its associated alignment issues. The trigger and latch become a single unified structure that moves together as one unit, preventing relative movement and misalignment while maintaining the benefits of a separate trigger function.
2Reliability
If a trigger element is formed integral with the housing, then the trigger functions as an anti-snag feature, but the housing is lengthened and enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger function is localized to only the portion of the latch structure that needs it, rather than extending the entire housing. The trigger element is positioned specifically at the rear of the latch where anti-snag protection is needed, while the rest of the housing maintains its compact dimensions. This localized approach provides protection without unnecessary lengthening.
3Device complexity
If the trigger component is actuated when misaligned with the latch, then the latch may be torqued or moved in abnormal direction, but the trigger component is separate from the housing
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the trigger and latch into a single integrated structure, the invention eliminates the misalignment problem entirely. Since they are one piece, the trigger cannot be misaligned with the latch, preventing abnormal torquing or movement. The integrated design ensures that actuation forces are always applied correctly to the latch.
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 latch protection clip effectively prevents latch snagging and misalignment, ensuring secure handling and operation of connectors while maintaining alignment and reducing the risk of damage, without complicating the housing or requiring separate trigger components.
Implementation Method 1
The pocket restricts lateral movement of the latch in a direction transverse to the actuation direction of the latch
Implementation Method 2
The trigger is configured to actuate the latch in an actuation direction when the trigger handle is deflected toward the connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
A latch protection clip for a connector mounted at an end of a cable and having a latch extending from a connector housing to a distal end includes a clip body having fingers configured to engage the cable directly behind the connector housing to secure the clip body to the cable. The latch protection clip also includes a trigger extending from the clip body. The trigger has a lever arm extending from the clip body and a trigger handle at an end of the lever arm opposite the clip body. The trigger handle has an outer surface and at least one pocket recessed inward from the outer surface. Each pocket is configured to receive the distal end of a corresponding latch. The trigger is configured to actuate the latch in an actuation direction when the trigger handle is deflected toward the connector housing. The pocket restricts lateral movement of the latch in a direction transverse to the actuation direction of the latch.