Optical Connector Housing Latch for Compact Reliable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices face challenges in achieving space savings due to the enlargement of optical connectors caused by latch mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The optical device design eliminates the latch mechanism from the optical connectors by incorporating a latch structure on the housing, utilizing guide pins and guide holes for precise alignment, and maintaining the strength of the connectors through specific area ratios of the guide holes and ferrules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is incorporated into the optical connector, then connection reliability is improved, but the size of the optical connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch function is segmented from the optical connector body and transferred to the housing level. The housing latch structure independently provides the locking function, allowing the optical connector to maintain a compact size while the housing ensures connection reliability through its latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector is nested within the housing, with the housing serving as an outer structure that contains the optical connector. The housing latch structure operates at the outer level to secure the entire assembly, while the optical connector maintains its own compact form factor without requiring an integrated latch mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If guide pins and guide holes are added for alignment, then connection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted and implemented through simple geometric features (guide pins and guide holes) rather than complex alignment mechanisms. These minimal structural elements provide precise positioning without adding significant complexity to the overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins and guide holes act as intermediary elements that facilitate precise alignment between the optical connector and housing. These simple geometric mediators enable accurate positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or sophisticated alignment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes: a host device having a first housing, a first optical connector arranged inside the first housing, and an electrical connector arranged inside the first housing; and a light-emitting device having a second optical connector optically connected to the first optical connector, an electrical plug electrically connected to the electrical connector, and a second housing accommodating the second optical connector and the electrical plug and inserted into the first housing. The second housing has a latch structure latched onto the first housing when inserted into the first housing.