LC Optical-Fiber Connector Latch Structure for Dense Cabinet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In confined cabinet environments, it is difficult to properly disengage resilient arms of male optical-fiber connectors from female adapters due to limited space, leading to potential cable damage and reduced cable routing capacity, and existing pull-tab structures are prone to deformation or breakage.
Innovation Solution
An optical-fiber connector design featuring a base portion with LC optical-fiber connector portions, each with an extension arm and actuation space, and a rear cover portion with rods that slide along inclined inner walls to change the operational state of the extension arms, allowing easy disengagement and stable signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pull-tab structure is used to enable easy removal of optical-fiber connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but the pull-tab structure is prone to deformation or breakage after prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components including a main body, extension arm, and resilient arm. The extension arm acts as a separate operational element that can be actuated independently to control the resilient arm's engagement state, allowing easy removal while maintaining structural integrity of the main connector body.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm is designed with elastic properties to dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The extension arm provides a mechanical leverage system that amplifies the user's pulling force on the extension arm to generate sufficient force to overcome the resilient arm's engagement force, enabling easy operation without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If resilient arms are designed for strong engagement with adapters, then connection reliability is improved, but difficulty in disengagement increases in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm serves as an intermediary mechanical element between the user's pulling action and the resilient arm's engagement state. By pulling the extension arm, the user indirectly actuates the resilient arm to disengage from the adapter, providing mechanical advantage and making disengagement feasible in confined cabinet spaces where direct manipulation would be difficult.
3Productivity
If multiple optical-fiber connectors are arranged side by side in confined cabinet environments, then cable routing capacity is improved, but available space for operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design segments the operational interface (extension arm) from the engagement mechanism (resilient arm and latch portion). This allows the resilient arm to maintain strong engagement for high cable routing capacity, while the extension arm provides a larger, more accessible interface for user operation even in densely packed cabinet environments.
Data Source
AI summary
The optical-fiber connector includes a base portion, optical-fiber connector portions, and a connecting portion. The optical-fiber connector portions are disposed in mounting spaces of the base portion. Each of the optical-fiber connector portions includes a housing and an optical-fiber component. The housing includes an extension arm and a connecting arm, the extension arm is disposed at the housing and extends obliquely, and the connecting portion is formed as an extension of the extension arm and defines an actuation space having an inclined inner wall. The rear cover portion is fitted over the base portion and includes a latching member disposed on the rear cover portion. The latching member includes a support member, a first rod, and a second rod. The support member extends upwardly from the top surface of the rear cover portion. The first rod and the second rod are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the support member.