Optical Connector Two-Stage Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical connector systems with two-stage fitting mechanisms face challenges in reducing their size due to the arrangement of latch parts, which restricts the compactness of the housing fittings.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector system incorporates a design where the latch reception and release parts are strategically positioned on arm parts, allowing the front latch to engage first and the rear latch to be released subsequently, enabling a more compact structure by reducing the size of the components involved in the two-stage fitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latch parts are arranged on different sections of the movable-side housing for two-stage fitting, then the fitting process can be completed in two stages, but the size of the optical connector system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch reception part and latch release part into a single integrated component on the movable-side housing. This merging of functions allows both the first latch (for initial engagement) and the second latch (for release mechanism) to be accommodated within a compact space, resolving the contradiction between achieving two-stage fitting reliability and minimizing connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable-side housing is designed with multi-functional latch parts that serve multiple purposes. The latch reception part not only receives the first latch but also guides the second latch, while the latch release part provides both structural support and the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed, thereby reducing size while maintaining the two-stage fitting process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the inner housing is allowed to move relative to the outer housing for floating state, then the connector achieves better alignment, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into an outer housing and an inner housing that can move independently. The inner housing contains the ferrule and can float relative to the outer housing, allowing for precise alignment compensation. This segmentation enables the floating state mechanism while keeping each segment relatively simple in structure, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic element where the inner housing can move relative to the outer housing to achieve the floating state. This dynamic capability allows the connector to self-align during the fitting process, improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms. The movement is constrained by simple guide structures rather than complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
[Problem] To reduce the size of an optical connector system in which fitting of housings together is performed in two stages. [Solution] An optical connector system includes: a first optical connector including a first ferrule and a first housing that houses the first ferrule; and a second optical connector including a second ferrule to be connected to the first ferrule, a second inner housing that houses the second ferrule, and a second outer housing that houses the second inner housing, the second optical connector being attachable to and detachable from the first optical connector, wherein the first housing includes a latch reception part and a latch release part, and the latch reception part and the latch release part are provided on a first arm part extending toward the second optical connector along a direction of attaching and detaching of the first optical connector and the second optical connector, the second inner housing includes a front latch part configured to be latched to the latch reception part and a rear latch part configured to be latched to the second outer housing, and the rear latch part is provided on a second arm part extending toward the first optical connector along the direction of attaching and detaching, the rear latch part is latched to the second outer housing before the first optical connector and the second optical connector are connected to each other, and the latch release part releases a latch of the rear latch part by relatively moving the first optical connector and the second optical connector to a connection side, after the front latch part is latched to the latch reception part.