Optical Connector Plug Lock Arm for Secure Latch Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector plugs do not have a structure that directly restricts the downward movement of latches, leading to unintentional release of the engagement with the optical adapter when a strong force is applied, such as when a foot is caught on the optical fiber cable.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector plug includes a lock arm that is movable relative to the latch, with a lock portion that moves to a position overlapping the latch's bottom surface when fitted to the optical adapter, restricting downward movement, and a slider that slides to restrict the latch's movement, using a lock tool that can be attached to the slider to enhance this functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stopper is mounted on the optical connector plug to restrict slider movement, then unintentional release is prevented, but the latch can still move downward under strong external force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the locking function into two independent components: the stopper that restricts slider movement and the lock arm that restricts latch movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, ensuring that even if one component is overwhelmed by external force, the other maintains the engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm acts as an intermediary element between the latch and the housing. It indirectly restricts latch movement by engaging with the housing's lock groove, rather than directly opposing external forces on the latch. This intermediary mechanism effectively prevents downward movement while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the latch is made more robust to resist external force, then engagement stability improves, but the ease of operation for attachment and detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is designed as a movable component that dynamically changes its position based on operational needs. During attachment, it moves to allow latch engagement; during normal operation, it moves to restrict latch movement; during detachment, it moves again to permit slider movement. This dynamic behavior ensures both engagement stability and ease of operation without requiring a robust, immovable latch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm performs preliminary action by positioning itself in advance to either allow or restrict latch movement. Before detachment occurs, the lock arm moves to a position that permits slider movement; before engagement, it positions itself to allow latch movement. This preliminary positioning ensures smooth operation while maintaining stability during the engaged state.
3Reliability
If a lock arm is added to directly restrict latch movement, then engagement stability under external force improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is merged with the housing structure through the lock groove, and the stopper is merged with the plug body. This integration allows the lock arm to function as part of the housing rather than as a separate, complex component. The merging of these elements achieves engagement stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm serves multiple functions: it restricts latch movement during normal operation, allows latch movement during attachment, and permits slider movement during detachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved engagement stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector plug fitted to an optical adapter including: a latch engageable with the optical adapter by moving a tip end in a vertical direction; and a lock arm movable relative to the latch, wherein the lock arm includes a lock portion movable between a first position overlapping a bottom surface of the latch and a second position not overlapping the bottom surface of the latch in a plan view, the lock portion is arranged at the second position not overlapping the bottom surface of the latch in the plan view when the optical connector plug is not fitted to the optical adapter, and the lock arm is pressed by an inner wall of the optical adapter so that the lock portion moves to the first position overlapping the bottom surface of the latch in the plan view when the optical connector plug is fitted to the optical adapter.