Optical Connector Buckle Structure for Stable Side-by-Side Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical connectors face challenges in maintaining secure connections while transmitting both optical signals and power, particularly in environments where stress on assembled optical fiber wires can lead to rupture and damage due to engagement forces between boot and housing structures, and there is a risk of connectors falling off due to gaps when inserted side by side.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector features a buckle structure design with integrally formed housing and boot structures, utilizing upper and lower arc-shaped buckles and elastic materials to stabilize connections, preventing rupture and ensuring secure attachment without easy disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the boot structure and housing structure are engaged to secure the connector, then connection stability is improved, but the terminal module bears excessive force that can cause rupture and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle structure is divided into separate components: a first buckle portion on the housing and a second buckle portion on the boot structure. This segmentation allows the engagement force to be distributed between these dedicated buckle components rather than being transmitted to the terminal module, thus maintaining connection stability while protecting the terminal module from excessive force
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle portions act as intermediary structures between the boot structure and housing. The engagement between first and second buckle portions mediates the connection force, preventing direct transmission of stress to the terminal module while still achieving secure attachment
2Area of stationary object
If connectors are inserted side by side, then space utilization is improved, but gaps cause connectors to fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle structure extends in the height direction (vertical dimension) to provide engagement between the boot structure and housing. This vertical engagement dimension prevents lateral movement and falling off of connectors inserted side by side, while not interfering with horizontal space utilization
3Strength
If the buckle structure uses hard materials, then protection against damage is improved, but the buckling effect with elastic materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the connector use different material properties: hard materials (metal or hard plastic) are used for the housing and terminal module to provide protection and structural strength, while elastic material is used specifically for the boot structure to enable the buckling effect. This local differentiation of material quality allows both protection and elastic engagement to coexist
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 buckle structure enhances connection strength, reduces the risk of damage to signal wires, and prevents accidental disconnection by providing stable, gap-free insertion and secure attachment, even under stress conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the boot structure uses a buckle structure with elastic material to buckle with the terminal module of the connector with a hard material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical connector, comprising: a connector module, having a housing, a terminal module, and at least one first buckle portion, the housing having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in a first axis, the first side having a first opening, a terminal of the terminal module protruding out of the first opening, the terminal module having a communication wire; and a boot structure, configured for coating the communication wire, wherein the boot structure has at least one second buckle structure corresponding to a side of the terminal module, and the at least one second buckle structure is buckled with at least one first buckle structure.