Optical Connector Lock Joint Line Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors break easily due to tension stresses caused by the insertion of the lock portion into the lock receiving portion, leading to a weak joint line formed during injection molding.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design includes a first housing with a lock receiving portion featuring latch holes and a joint line extending perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, and a second housing with a lock portion and protrusions that engage with the latch holes, ensuring that tension stresses align with the joint line's direction, preventing breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lock portion is inserted into the lock receiving portion, then the first housing is fixed to the second housing, but tension stresses are generated that cause the joint line to widen and the housing to break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the joint line from being parallel to the longitudinal direction to being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This parameter change ensures that tension stresses generated during assembly act parallel to the joint line, preventing the joint line from widening and breaking.
2Productivity
If the gate is defined in a portion corresponding to the resisting member, then the melted material flows a relatively short distance and increases the speed of making the housing, but the joint line is formed adjacent to the latch hole which becomes weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial orientation of the joint line from a longitudinal arrangement to a transverse arrangement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This dimensional reorientation allows the joint line to be positioned away from the latch hole while maintaining short material flow distance for high productivity.
3Device complexity
If the joint line extends along the longitudinal direction, then the structure is simple, but the joint line is perpendicular to the direction of tension stresses causing easy breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the joint line orientation by positioning it perpendicular to the longitudinal direction rather than parallel to it. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the joint line is aligned with the tension stress direction, maximizing resistance to breakage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary optical connector 200 includes a first housing 20 and a second housing 24. The first housing 20 includes a main body 201. The main body 201 is elongated and hollow. One end of the main body 201 forms a resisting member 203 and the other end of the main body 201 forms a lock receiving portion 205. At least one latch hole 2051 is defined in the lock receiving portion 205 and at least one joint line 208 is formed in the lock receiving portion 205 adjacent to the at least one latch hole 2051. The extending direction of the joint line 208 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first housing 20. One end of the second housing 24 forms a lock portion 242 configured for engaging with the lock receiving portion 205. The lock portion 242 forms at least one protrusion 2423 configured for engaging with the latch hole 2051.