Optical Connector Plug With Multi-Directional Grip Knob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connector plugs with automatically opening and closing shutters are difficult to insert and extract due to narrow clearance between the knob and wall portions of the adapter, limiting gripping options to only the right and left sides, making it hard to maneuver in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector plug features a knob with a grip portion that protrudes upwards and downwards, incorporating an approximately rectangular tube shape with L-shaped surfaces, allowing for easier gripping and operation in narrow spaces by utilizing upper and lower spaces, and includes a shutter mechanism that automatically opens when the plug is inserted into the adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the knob is designed with conventional grip portions only on right and left sides, then the shutter mechanism can be compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portions are extended from the conventional two-dimensional right-left configuration to include a third dimension by protruding upward and downward from the rear end of the knob. This dimensional expansion provides multiple gripping surfaces (upper, lower, right, left) enabling operation in narrow spaces where conventional side-only grips would not fit.
2Reliability
If the outer cover is made to slide backward to open the shutter, then the shutter protection function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion motion of the optical plug is merged with the shutter opening operation. As the outer cover slides backward during plug insertion, it automatically drives the shutter to open through the integrated rack and pinion mechanism, combining two functions (protection and access) into a single coordinated motion sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is designed to open automatically during the insertion process without requiring separate manual operation. The backward sliding of the outer cover self-actuates the shutter through the rack and pinion engagement, making the system self-serving during the insertion operation.
3Ease of operation
If the grip portion protrudes upward and downward, then the ease of operation in narrow spaces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portion is segmented into multiple independent protruding elements extending in different directions (upward, downward, right, left) from the rear end of the knob. This segmentation allows each protrusion to function as an independent gripping surface, providing flexibility for various insertion scenarios while maintaining a modular structure.
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
This design enables easy and secure insertion and extraction of the optical plug by gripping the upper and lower surfaces, even in tight spaces, improving usability and operational stability when dealing with adapters surrounded by wall portions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged in an energizing manner between the stopper guide and the outer cover
Implementation Method 2
a rack and pinion type shutter automatically opening and closing mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An inserting and extracting motion of an optical plug can be easily carried out via a knob, even in the case that a narrow space by wall portions exists right and left sides of an optical connector adapter. An optical connector plug is provided with a stopper guide (22) in a rear portion of an upper surface of a knob (12) to which an optical plug (P) is installed, a spring guide (23), an outer cover (24) which is provided in an outer surface of the knob (12), and a spring (28) which is arranged in between the stopper guide (22) and the outer cover (24). In the optical connector plug, the outer cover (24) is pressed by an optical connector adapter (Q) so as to move backward while compressing the spring (28), whereby a shutter (21) is opened and the optical plug (P) is allowed to protrude forward from the outer cover (24). The optical connector plug is provided with a grip portion (51) which protrudes up and down and right and left from a rear end portion of the knob (12).