Modular Latching Connectors for Dense Panel Front Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-density interconnect panels in communication networks face challenges with access to individual release mechanisms due to physical obstructions, leading to overstressing of cables and connectors, which compromises integrity and network performance.
Innovation Solution
Narrow pitch LC duplex connectors and narrow width multi-fiber connectors with remote release mechanisms, utilizing spring-loaded pull tabs to ensure reliable engagement and disengagement without disturbing adjacent fibers, facilitated by a unique latching arm design that allows for horizontal or direct pushing down of latching arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If connector size and spacing are reduced to increase panel density, then connector density is improved, but access to release mechanisms becomes difficult and cable stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the traditional location and repositioned to extend beyond the front face of the connector housing. This allows the release tab to be accessed from the front of the panel rather than requiring access to the rear, thereby maintaining ease of operation in high-density configurations where adjacent connectors would otherwise block access to rear release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism transitions from a rear-access design to a front-access design by extending the release tab forward beyond the connector housing face. This dimensional repositioning allows operators to access the release mechanism from the front of the panel, eliminating the need to push aside adjacent connectors and enabling effective operation in high-density arrangements.
2Quantity of substance
If connector size is reduced to increase panel density, then connector density is improved, but cable and connector integrity deteriorates due to increased stress during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The release action is extracted from the constrained rear position and relocated to the front accessible position. This allows full finger access for proper engagement and disengagement of the release mechanism without requiring operators to push aside adjacent connectors, thereby preventing lateral forces and stress on cables and connectors while maintaining high density.
Solution Approach 2:
By repositioning the release tab to extend beyond the front face of the connector housing, the mechanism enables vertical release motion from the front rather than requiring lateral access from the rear. This eliminates the need to push aside adjacent connectors during release operations, preventing stress on cables and maintaining connector integrity in high-density configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional release mechanisms are used in high-density panels, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but support time increases due to difficulty in accessing release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The release tab is extracted from the traditional rear position and repositioned to extend beyond the front face of the connector housing. This allows operators to access and operate the release mechanism from the front of the panel using standard finger motions, dramatically reducing support time without requiring specialized tools or complex manipulation in tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is repositioned from a rear-access configuration to a front-access configuration by extending the release tab forward. This enables operators to perform release operations from the front of the panel where there is adequate space for finger access, eliminating the time-consuming process of pushing aside adjacent connectors and significantly reducing support time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
Enables efficient and reliable release of connectors in dense arrays without damaging surrounding components, reducing support time and maintaining network integrity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing spring-loaded pull tabs to ensure reliable engagement and disengagement
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a Network system including: a connector comprising a housing comprising a groove running widthwise on a surface of the housing; and a push-pull tab comprising a complementary groove, wherein the push-pull tab is detachably connected to the housing; and a receiver device comprising one or more ports for receiving the connector, the one or more ports having an interchangeable anchor device including a first portion and a second portion; wherein the groove is configured to receive the first portion of the interchangeable anchor device when the connector is inserted into the receiving element, and wherein the complimentary groove is configured to receive the second portion of the interchangeable anchor device when the connector is inserted into the receiving element, the push-pull tab being configured to disengage the second portion of the interchangeable anchor device from the complementary groove when the push-pull tab is moved in a direction away from the connector, thereby disengaging the first portion of the interchangeable anchor device from the grove of the connector. Other aspects are described and claimed.