Optical Connector Rotating Latch for Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors face challenges in securely coupling with optical receptacles, as they can be accidentally dislodged by external forces due to lack of a reliable locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector with a latch structure that can be positioned at different locations, allowing for secure locking and unlocking by rotating movements, preventing accidental disconnection and enabling easy removal when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional optical connector is coupled to an optical receptacle, then the connector can be connected and used for signal transmission, but the connector can be accidentally dislodged by external forces due to lack of reliable locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure is designed to be rotatable between a locked position (where it engages with the receptacle wall to prevent disconnection) and an unlocked position (where it allows removal). This dynamic mechanism transforms a static connection into a controllable one, resolving the contradiction between preventing accidental disconnection and enabling intentional removal
Solution Approach 2:
The latch structure automatically engages with the receptacle wall when the connector is inserted, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional locking operations. This ensures reliable connection stability while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational movement for unlocking
2Reliability
If a latch structure is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure is integrated into the outer housing of the optical connector, combining the locking function with the existing connector body. This merging approach adds the necessary reliability feature while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The latch structure serves multiple functions: it prevents accidental disconnection by engaging with the receptacle wall, allows intentional removal when rotated to the unlocked position, and can facilitate polarity changes by enabling connector removal and reinsertion. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by providing multiple benefits from a single component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical connector coupled to an optical receptacle, wherein the optical connector comprises an outer housing, a coupling module, and a latch structure. The coupling module is arranged in the outer housing for slidably connecting to the outer housing. When the latch structure is rotated to a first position, the optical connector is unable to be released from the optical receptacle; and when the latch structure is rotated to a second position, the outer housing is allowed to slide relative to coupling module whereby the optical connector is released from the optical receptacle. In one alternative embodiment, the present invention further provides an optical module and an operation method for locking the optical connector into the optical receptacle, or releasing the optical connector from the optical receptacle.