Optical Fiber Adapter Latch Element for Secure Cover Plate Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber adapters face challenges with component replacement difficulty due to ultrasonic welding and poor fixing stability when using mechanical clamps, particularly in ensuring secure assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber adapter incorporates a latch element with a fixing portion, connecting portion, and inserting portion, which is movably introduced into the adapter's axial accommodation room, clamping into a fixing-groove structure and accommodation groove to securely fasten the cover plate to the main body, allowing for easy removal and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ultrasonic welding method is used to assemble cover plate and main body, then assembly strength is improved, but ease of disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latch elements (first latch element, second latch element) that can be individually engaged and disengaged. Each latch element has a fixing portion with fixing groove and an inserting portion, allowing the assembly to be divided into separable functional units that maintain strength when engaged but enable easy disassembly when released.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch elements are designed with movable connecting portions that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The connecting portion includes a moving portion that can be actuated to release the fixing portion from the fixing groove, transforming the static welded joint into a dynamic, reversible mechanical connection that provides both strength and ease of disassembly.
2Ease of repair
If mechanical clamp manner is used to assemble cover plate and main body, then ease of disassembly is improved, but fixing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism merges multiple fixing features into a unified latch element structure. The fixing portion with its fixing groove, the connecting portion with moving portion, and the inserting portion are combined into single integrated components. This merging provides both the mechanical clamp ease of disassembly and enhanced fixing stability through multiple simultaneous engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch elements are nested within the adapter structure, with the connecting portion positioned between the fixing portion and inserting portion. The moving portion is nested within the connecting portion, allowing sequential engagement and disengagement. This nested arrangement provides stable fixation when engaged while maintaining ease of disassembly through the hierarchical release mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If latch element is introduced into axial accommodation room, then fixing stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: the fixing portion provides mechanical engagement, the connecting portion enables movement and actuation, and the inserting portion secures the cover plate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving fixing stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having complex external fastening mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by having the latch element move into the accommodation room and engage from the inside. The fixing portion with fixing groove engages the cover plate, and the inserting portion extends to secure it. This inverted internal engagement simplifies the external structure while providing stable fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber adapter includes a main body, an inner housing, a cover plate and a latch element. The main body has an the axial accommodation room formed by a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls opposite to each other. Two axial ends of the axial accommodation room have a first opening and a second opening respectively. An access opening and at least one fixing-groove structure are formed on the top wall. The fixing-groove structure is located between the access opening and the first opening. The latch element includes a fixing portion, a connecting portion and an inserting portion. The connecting portion is connected to the fixing portion and the inserting portion. The latch element is movably introduced into the axial accommodation room via the first opening. The fixing portion is clamped in the fixing-groove structure. The inserting portion is inserted into the accommodation groove.