Optical Fiber Connector Rotary Snap-Fit Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connectors and adapters require complex threaded connections that are difficult to operate and may not secure properly, leading to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber connector with a lock cap and adapter that utilize a rotary snap-fit lock mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly with a snap-fit connection that ensures stability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection structure is used between the optical fiber connector and the fiber adapter, then the connection can be secured, but the operation becomes complex requiring multiple rotations for locking and detaching
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a locking mechanism portion and a connection portion. The locking mechanism includes a lock block that can be rotated independently to engage with the adapter, while the connection portion remains fixed. This segmentation allows the locking function to be separated from the connection function, enabling simple rotational locking without complex threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional threaded connection where the connector rotates relative to the adapter body, the patent inverts the approach by having the lock block rotate relative to the connector body to engage with the adapter. This inversion simplifies the operation to a single rotational motion for locking and detaching, eliminating the need for multiple rotations required by threaded connections.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to lock the conventional optical fiber connector and fiber adapter, then the connection can be made, but it may not be properly or securely locked resulting in poor reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a self-locking feature where the lock block, upon rotation, automatically engages with the adapter through a snap-fit action. The elastic element provides automatic engagement force, ensuring that the connection is securely locked without requiring precise manual control or multiple adjustment steps. This self-service mechanism eliminates the variability and potential for improper locking associated with manual threaded connections.
3Reliability
If a threaded connection structure is used, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional threading approach by using a lock block that rotates on its own axis rather than having the entire connector rotate relative to the adapter. This inverted locking mechanism reduces the locking operation to a single quick rotational motion, dramatically reducing assembly and disassembly time while maintaining secure connection through the snap-fit engagement of the lock block with the adapter.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose an optical fiber connector, including a main shaft, a connecting piece, and a lock cap. The main shaft includes a head end and a tail end that is away from the head end. A through hole extending from the head end to the tail end is disposed in the main shaft. The connecting piece is fixedly connected to the head end and partially accommodated in the through hole. The lock cap includes a sealing portion and a connection portion that is connected to a side of the sealing portion. The sealing portion is rotationally connected to an outer side of the head end. The connection portion is located on a side that is of the head end and that is away from the tail end. The connection portion is configured to partially accommodate an adapter when the connecting piece is inserted into the adapter. A lock protrusion is disposed on an inner side of the connection portion. The lock protrusion is configured to be snap-fitted to a lock slot of the adapter when the lock cap is rotated by a first angle relative to the adapter. The first angle is less than or equal to 90°. Installation of the foregoing optical fiber connector is simple and time-saving. The embodiments of this application further disclose a prefabricated optical fiber, an adapter, a fiber termination box, and an optical fiber connection assembly.