Optical Connector Latch Mechanism for Multi-Plug Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors require a large pressing force for insertion and generate multiple sounds when engaging multiple plugs, making it difficult to determine if all plugs are sufficiently inserted.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design includes a holder for at least three plugs with a latch mechanism on only the first plug and no latch mechanism on the second plug, reducing the number of latch mechanisms and sounds generated, allowing easier insertion and confirmation of plug engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latch mechanisms are provided on all optical connector plugs, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the pressing force required for insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is selectively provided only on the first optical connector plug among multiple plugs, rather than on all plugs. This local application of the latch mechanism maintains reliable engagement for the first plug while reducing the total pressing force required for insertion of all plugs.
2Reliability
If latch mechanisms are provided on all optical connector plugs, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the number of sounds generated during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is selectively provided only on the first optical connector plug, so that when multiple plugs are inserted together, only one latch mechanism generates a sound. This reduces the number of sounds generated during insertion while maintaining reliable engagement for the first plug.
3Reliability
If latch mechanisms are provided on all optical connector plugs, then engagement confirmation is achieved, but it becomes difficult to determine if all plugs are sufficiently inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector plugs are segmented into a first optical connector plug with a latch mechanism and second optical connector plugs without latch mechanisms. This segmentation allows the latch mechanism to provide engagement confirmation for the first plug while the positioning structure provides confirmation for subsequent plugs, making it easier to determine if all plugs are sufficiently inserted.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes a holder configured to hold at least three or more optical connector plugs. The optical connector plugs and the adapters are arranged in an intersecting direction intersecting with a connecting direction. The optical connector plugs include a first optical connector plug and a second optical connector plug. Any of the first optical connector plug and the adapter to which the first optical connector plug is connected has a latch mechanism configured to engage the first optical connector plug with the adapter. Any of the second optical connector plug and the adapter to which the second optical connector plug is connected does not have a latch mechanism configured to engage the second optical connector plug with the adapter.