Optical Connector Adapter Vibration Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector adapter assemblies lack sufficient resistance to vibrations, leading to insecure connections and potential disconnection of optical connectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector adapter assembly with a locking arrangement that includes elastically deformable locking elements and a retaining element, which cooperates with the adapter body to securely lock the optical connectors, preventing vibration-induced disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple adapter assembly is used to connect optical connectors, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to insufficient resistance to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the adapter body, locking elements, and retaining elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall connection reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust during insertion and locking operations. This dynamic property enables reliable vibration resistance through elastic deformation rather than requiring complex rigid mechanical structures
2Reliability
If elastically deformable locking elements are used to provide vibration resistance, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements utilize elastic deformation properties by changing the material parameter from rigid to elastically deformable. This parameter change allows the structure to achieve vibration resistance through material elasticity rather than requiring high manufacturing precision of complex mechanical tolerances
3Strength
If a locking arrangement with multiple components is implemented, then the connection strength is improved to prevent disconnection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements and retaining elements are integrated into a unified locking arrangement that works together to provide connection strength. This merging of functions into a coordinated system achieves strong vibration resistance without the complexity of separate independent locking mechanisms
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
The solution provides a firm and reliable engagement between the optical connectors and the adapter body, ensuring stable signal transmission by preventing loose connections due to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a locking arrangement which involves a cooperation of optical connector and adapter body facilitates the mutual lock of the elements
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical connector adapter assembly (1) for optical connectors (10) comprising a first optical connector (10) comprising a first optical connector body (11); an adapter body (20) extending along a longitudinal direction (X-X) between a first end (20a) and a second end (20b), the adapter body (20) defining a passing through channel (21) extending along the longitudinal direction (X-X) and configured to receive the first optical connector body (11) at the first end (20a) and a second optical connector (30) at the second end (20b); a first locking arrangement (50) configured to lock the first optical connector (10) with respect to the adapter body (20) along the longitudinal direction (X-X); the first locking arrangement (50) comprises one or more locking elements (51) associated with the adapter body (20) and extending inside the passing through channel (21) along the longitudinal direction (X-X) towards the first end (20a); a locking portion (52) associated with the first optical connector body (11) and configured to engage with the locking elements (51); and a retaining element (53) arranged outside the first optical connector body (11) and configured to slide along the longitudinal direction (X-X) to be positioned between the locking elements (51) and the adapter body (20) to cooperate with the adapter body (20) and the locking elements (51) to mutually lock the first optical connector (10) to the adapter body (20) along the longitudinal direction (X-X).