Pluggable Optical Connector Leaf Spring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pluggable optical connectors face challenges in maintaining mechanical integrity and achieving high data transfer rates due to the complexity of assembly and the need for precise locking mechanisms that are reliable and efficient.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable optical connector design featuring a two-part housing with a slider, longitudinal arms, wedges, and a single transverse leaf spring that exerts spring force to facilitate locking and release, replacing traditional two compression springs to simplify assembly and enhance mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional two compression springs are used for locking mechanism, then reliable locking can be achieved, but assembly complexity increases and space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate compression springs into a single leaf spring structure that performs the same locking function. The leaf spring has two legs that engage with the cage, replacing the need for two separate springs while maintaining reliable locking through the integrated elastic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring is designed with specific segmentation including two legs extending in opposite directions, a middle convex portion, and extended convexly curved portions. This segmentation allows the single spring to interact with multiple components (bridge, vertical wall, sidewalls) to achieve reliable locking without requiring multiple separate spring components.
2Reliability
If traditional two compression springs are used for locking mechanism, then reliable locking can be achieved, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate compression springs into a single leaf spring structure that performs the same locking function. The leaf spring has two legs that engage with the cage, replacing the need for two separate springs while maintaining reliable locking through the integrated elastic structure.
3Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to ensure mechanical integrity, then reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring is designed to automatically return to its original position after the connector is released. The elastic structure self-generates the release force through its inherent elasticity, eliminating the need for additional release mechanisms or complex operations. The connector simply needs to be pulled outward, and the leaf spring automatically resets.
4Manufacturing precision
If more components are added to ensure precise locking, then manufacturing precision requirements increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (two compression springs, associated mounting structures) into a single integrated leaf spring component. This reduction in component count simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining precise locking through the carefully designed geometry of the leaf spring's legs and engagement features.
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 design ensures reliable locking and easy release of the connector, reduces assembly complexity, and maintains balanced spring force, while occupying less space, thus addressing the need for high data transfer rates and mechanical integrity in electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The leaf spring may be made of metal and can exert spring force against the bridge and the vertical wall in a longitudinal direction, whereby locking of the connector can be released with a reverse movement of the connector countering the spring force of the leaf spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable optical connector with a lock and release mechanism having a slider. The slider includes a handle, two spaced apart longitudinal arms extending from the handle and along two opposite sidewalls of a housing of the connector, two wedges formed at two free ends of the two arms respectively for forcing two deflectable locking tabs formed on a cage outwards when the connector is plugged into the cage and locked therein, and a bridge extending between the two arms. A single transverse leaf spring is positioned between the bridge and a transverse vertical wall extending inwardly from the housing of the connector. The leaf spring exerts spring force in a longitudinal direction, and locking of the connector is released with a reverse movement of the connector countering the spring force.