Optical Connector Latch Redesign for Compact Plug Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors with latches that protrude on both sides in the transverse direction make it difficult to reduce the diameter of the plug while maintaining the ability to detach in a single operation.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a sleeve with a latch, a stopper, a slider, a pressing projection, and a slider impelling section, where the latch has a notch and a coupling section that allows the slider to move backward, enabling the latch to be pressed down and released without obstructing insertion, allowing for a single-operation detachment and reduced diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch with locking projections protruding on both sides in the transverse direction is used, then the connector can be latched in the adapter, but the diameter of the plug increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure is redesigned so that the locking projections are positioned at the back end of the latch rather than protruding from the middle, changing the spatial arrangement from a transverse projection to a longitudinal arrangement. This dimensional repositioning allows the latch to maintain its latching function while reducing the transverse dimension (diameter) of the plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed with asymmetric features including a notch formed from the back end toward the front end, and locking projections positioned only at the back end rather than symmetrically on both sides. This asymmetric design enables the latch to achieve reliable latching while minimizing the overall diameter of the plug.
2Reliability
If the latch length is increased to ensure proper latching, then the latching function is improved, but the diameter of the plug increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the lateral extension or overall length of the latch, the locking projections are repositioned to the back end of the latch. This changes the latching mechanism from requiring a long lateral extension to using the back end position, thereby achieving reliable latching without increasing the latch length or plug diameter.
3Device complexity
If a simple latch structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detach in a single operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is pre-positioned in the retracted state during normal operation, and the latch is designed with a notch that accommodates the pressing projection. When detachment is required, the slider is simply moved forward to press the latch, which then automatically releases. This preliminary arrangement of components enables single-operation detachment without adding complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch structure with the notch and the slider with the pressing projection work together such that moving the slider automatically presses the latch to release the locking projections from the latching sections. The system serves itself by using the same slider that positions the locking projections during insertion to also release them during detachment, eliminating the need for separate release mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector of the present invention comprises a sleeve, a latch, a stopper, a slider, a pressing projection, and a slider impelling section. The latch has locking projections that provide on both sides at the back end thereof in the transverse direction and a notch formed from the back end toward the front end of the latch. The slider is disposed behind the sleeve in the insertion direction so as to be able to move backward in the insertion direction with respect to the stopper. The pressing projection is disposed at the position of the notch in the latch and is securely coupled with the slider by means of a coupling section penetrating the notch. The slider impelling section presses the slider toward the stopper in the insertion direction.