Optical Fiber Adapter Sliding Unlock for Tight-Space Connector Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical fiber connectors require large operation spaces for locking, making them difficult to use in scenarios with limited space and prone to poor locking consistency and loosening due to uneven manual tightening forces.

Innovation Solution

A straight-plugging and pressing type locking mechanism is introduced, utilizing an optical fiber adapter with a first locking structure and a pressing member that slides to unlock the connection, reducing the required operation space and ensuring even force distribution for secure locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional rotation type locking manner is used, then the locking effect is reliable, but relatively large operation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking effect consistencyVSAvoidoperation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional rotation locking mechanism into a linear pressing mechanism. Instead of rotating the connector body to engage locking lugs, the connector plug is simply pushed straight into the adapter, and locking is achieved through a pressing member that moves linearly to engage the locking structure. This inversion eliminates the need for rotational motion and large operation spaces while maintaining reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex rotational mechanical locking system with a simpler linear pressing mechanism. The rotation type locking is substituted by a straight-plugging action combined with a pressing member that moves along the axial direction to engage the locking structure, reducing the mechanical complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a conventional rotation type locking manner is used, then the locking function is achieved, but uneven manual tightening forces cause poor locking effect consistency and easy loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is designed to automatically engage the locking structure when the connector plug is inserted into the adapter. The locking action occurs self-service through the natural insertion motion, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations that vary in force and consistency among different workers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring manual tightening forces to engage the locking mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by having the locking mechanism engage automatically through the insertion motion itself, with the pressing member translating the insertion force directly into locking engagement without requiring additional manual tightening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12487411B2Optical fiber adapter, optical fiber connector plug, connector assembly, and communication device

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An optical fiber adapter is provided, including an adapter body provided with a first slot, the first slot being used for connecting to an optical fiber connector in insertion fashion; a first locking structure, the first locking structure being provided on the adapter body and being used for engaging with a second locking structure of an optical fiber connector plug to fix the optical fiber adapter and the optical fiber connector plug; and a press member, the press member being connected to the adapter body, and the press member being capable of sliding with respect to the adapter body to drive the first locking structure and the second locking structure to be unlocked. Also provided are an optical fiber connector plug, a connector assembly comprising the optical fiber adapter and the optical fiber connector plug, and a communications device comprising the optical fiber adapter.