Optical Connector Lock Arm Flexibility for Jig-Free Holder Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors require a holder releasing jig and take time to release the holder from a main lock state to a temporary lock state, making maintenance cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a flexibly deformable lock arm that releases the holder from the main lock state to a temporary lock state without a jig, using a holder protrusion to facilitate easy displacement and maintainability, with a lock surface that deforms in the unlocking direction to reduce operational force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a holder releasing jig is used to release the holder from main lock state to temporary lock state, then the holder can be released, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is designed to automatically transition from the main lock state to the temporary lock state when the optical connector is detached from the mating connector. The holder releases itself from the main lock state through the mechanical action of detachment, eliminating the need for a separate releasing jig or complex manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm is pre-configured with a specific geometric structure including an inclined surface that automatically performs the state transition from main lock to temporary lock during the detachment process. This preliminary structural design ensures the holder is released in the correct sequence without requiring additional tools or steps.
2Ease of repair
If the holder is released from main lock state to temporary lock state after detaching from mating connector, then the holder can be released, but time is lost in the releasing process
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm's inclined surface is designed to automatically transition the holder from main lock state to temporary lock state during the detachment process itself, rather than requiring a separate releasing step. This preliminary structural design ensures the holder is released in the correct sequence without requiring additional time.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder release function is merged with the detachment operation. The same mechanical action that detaches the connector from the mating connector also automatically releases the holder from the main lock state, combining two functions into one operation and eliminating redundant time.
3Strength
If the lock arm is made rigid to maintain locking force, then the lock is strong, but it requires excessive force to deform for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is designed with controlled flexibility rather than complete rigidity. It maintains sufficient stiffness to provide strong locking force during normal operation, but includes specific regions with reduced rigidity that allow easy deformation during unlocking. This dynamic design enables the lock arm to adapt its rigidity based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lock arm have different rigidity characteristics. The main body maintains high rigidity for strong locking, while specific portions (such as regions with smaller cross-sections or different material properties) are designed with lower rigidity to facilitate easy deformation during the unlocking process, reducing the force required.
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
Enables easy release of the holder from the housing without a releasing jig, improving maintainability and reducing the force required for unlocking, while ensuring smooth transition between lock states without tilting.
Implementation Method 1
a lock arm that is provided on the housing and is flexibly deformed when being fitted with a mating housing and restores after the fitting to lock the mating housing
Implementation Method 2
a holder protrusion that is provided on the holder and is pressed by the lock arm which is flexibly deformed in an unlocking direction by a predetermined amount or more so that the holder is displaced
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes an optical fiber, a ferrule provided at an end portion of the optical fiber, a plug housing in which the ferrule is accommodated, a lock arm provided on the plug housing and holding the plug housing and the mating housing in a fitted state, a holder assembled to the plug housing to hold the ferrule in the plug housing, and a holder protrusion provided on the holder and pressed by the lock arm which is flexibly deformed in an unlocking direction by a predetermined amount or more so that the holder is displaced in a direction of releasing the ferrule from being held by the holder.