Optical Fiber Plug Snap-Fit Locking for Narrow-Space Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mounting and removal of optical fiber plugs and adapters are complex, requiring large operational spaces due to the need for screwing and unscrewing locking caps, which limits their applicability in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber plug design featuring a locking structure and an unlocking structure on its side wall, allowing secure insertion and quick detachment by a single action of insertion and pulling, respectively, without the need for screwing or unscrewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking cap is used to fasten the optical fiber plug to the adapter by screwing, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and operational space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screwing mechanical system with a snap-fit mechanical system. The locking cap uses a pressing button mechanism that engages with locking teeth on the adapter through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for rotational screwing motions while maintaining secure connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cap incorporates a pressing button that automatically engages the locking teeth when the plug is inserted into the adapter. The elastic structure of the button provides self-locking functionality without requiring additional manual operations, making the connection process self-servicing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking cap with screwing mechanism is used, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step screwing mechanism with a single-action snap-fit system. The pressing button mechanism allows the user to secure the connection by simply pushing the button, which engages the locking teeth, eliminating the need for rotational movements and multiple operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex screwing mechanism from the locking cap design and replaces it with a simplified pressing button system. This extraction of the problematic mechanical system maintains connection stability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a locking cap requiring screwing and unscrewing is used, then the connection security is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming screwing and unscrewing operations with a quick snap-fit mechanism. The pressing button engages locking teeth instantly upon insertion, and removal is achieved by simply pressing the button again, dramatically reducing the time required for mounting and dismounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking teeth are pre-positioned on the adapter and the pressing button is pre-configured with elastic tension. When the plug is inserted, the button automatically engages the teeth without requiring additional time for alignment or manual manipulation, enabling immediate secure connection.
4Reliability
If a traditional locking cap is used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the required operational space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotational screwing mechanism that requires lateral hand movements with a linear pressing motion. This substitution reduces the operational space needed from a circular motion area to a minimal linear pressing distance, enabling use in narrow and confined spaces while maintaining connection reliability.
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
Simplifies the operation by allowing direct insertion and removal in a single action, reducing the required space and improving the arrangement density of optical fiber plugs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic bolt, for interlocking with the locking structure when the plug body is inserted into the optical fiber adapter in an insertion direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber plug includes a plug body, a locking structure, and an unlocking structure. The locking structure is located on a side wall of the plug body, and configured to, when the plug body is inserted into an optical fiber adapter in an insertion direction, match an elastic bolt of the optical fiber adapter, to lock a relative position between the plug body and the optical fiber adapter. The unlocking structure is located on the side wall of the plug body, and configured to, when the plug body is detached from the optical fiber adapter in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, release matching between the locking structure and the elastic bolt. By using the optical fiber plug, a problem related to complexity of mounting and removal is resolved and a space is for operation can be reduced.