Optical Connector Segmented Body for High Density Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors with short size designs cannot be effectively stacked or arranged densely due to their locking and unlocking mechanisms, limiting the increase in optical connector density in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector with an ultra-short connector body comprising two movable assembly elements that can be buckled and unbuckled, allowing for closer arrangement and stacking without protruding structures on the sides, enabling higher density packing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional optical connectors use a short size design to increase the number of connectors in limited space, then the connector size is reduced, but the locking and unlocking mechanism prevents effective stacking and arrangement, limiting density improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into two separate assembly elements: a first assembly element containing the locking mechanism and a second assembly element containing the buckling structure. This segmentation allows the locking and buckling functions to operate independently, enabling the connector to be both compact and stackable without interference between mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces stacking capability in the vertical dimension by designing the buckling structure to engage with the receptacle from above, while the locking mechanism operates in the horizontal plane. This multi-dimensional approach allows connectors to be arranged both side-by-side and stacked vertically, significantly improving space utilization.
2Reliability
If conventional optical connectors have locking mechanisms, then the connection is secure, but the mechanism prevents adjacent connectors from being arranged closely
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the locking mechanism (first assembly element) from the buckling structure (second assembly element), the locking features are confined to a compact area while the buckling structure provides the external engagement interface. This allows connectors to be positioned closely together while maintaining secure locking through the dedicated first assembly element.
3Reliability
If conventional optical connectors have additional structures on upper and lower sides, then the locking mechanism functions, but stacking becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The first assembly element with the locking mechanism is integrated into the main connector body without requiring external protrusions, while the second assembly element provides the buckling interface. This segmentation allows the locking function to be maintained within the connector's footprint, enabling vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged into the first assembly element which is integrated within the connector body, eliminating the need for separate external locking structures. This integration allows the connector to maintain its compact form factor while preserving the locking function, enabling stacking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical connector comprising a terminal portion and a connector body. The connector body has a buckle structure for latching with a receptacle and an unbuckle structure for releasing buckle structure from the receptacle. The connector body comprises a first assembly element and a second assembly element. The first assembly element is connected to the terminal portion, and a first channel is formed at a first side of the first assembly element while a first coupling element is arranged at a second side of the first assembly element. The second assembly element is connected to the first coupling element, and a second channel formed on a first side of the second assembly element is communicated with the first channel while a second coupling element is arranged at a second side of the second assembly element and movably connected to the first coupling element.