Optical Connector Plug Single-Action Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LC type optical connector plugs require two operations for release from coupling, which complicates operability, especially in high-density optical communication equipment setups where operators must navigate crowded cables and perform pressing-down and pulling actions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector plug design features a front housing with a latching piece and a rear housing that slides, incorporating a releasing lever with a hook and knob portion to facilitate release with a single operation by pulling the rear housing backward, reducing the number of steps and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latching structure with separate releasing bar and locking portion is used, then the connector achieves reliable locking, but the releasing operation requires two steps (pressing down and pulling)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the releasing bar and locking portion into a single integrated latching piece that performs both locking and releasing functions. The latching piece includes a locking portion that engages with the coupling counterpart member and a releasing portion that is actuated by the rear housing to release the locking, eliminating the need for separate releasing bar operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching piece is designed as an elastic component that can dynamically change its position between locked and released states. The elastic nature allows the latching piece to be flexed by the rear housing for releasing while maintaining reliable engagement in the locked state, enabling single-step operation.
2Device complexity
If the releasing bar extends upward from the rear housing, then the structure is simple, but the operator must perform pressing-down operation while holding the connector
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the releasing mechanism upward requiring downward pressing, the patent allows the rear housing to slide backward (opposite direction) to actuate the releasing portion. This inversion of the releasing action direction eliminates the need for pressing-down operation, allowing operators to simply pull the connector backward even in crowded cable environments.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hook portion loosely fits with the slit before the releasing portion, then assembly is simplified, but precise positioning must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the hook portion loosely fits with the slit formed before the releasing portion. This intentional loose fit (parameter change from tight to loose tolerance) simplifies assembly by allowing easy insertion and engagement, while the geometric relationship between the hook portion and slit still ensures adequate positioning precision for proper operation.
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 allows for the release of the optical connector plug from the coupling counterpart member with a single operation, improving operability, reducing material costs, and enhancing safety by preventing unintended releases through a blocking member.
Implementation Method 1
the releasing bar 19 is forced to return to an upper original position by elastic force of the latching portion 17
Data Source
Figure 1~3A
Figure 3B~4B
Figure 4C~6A
AI summary
An optical connector plug includes: a front housing, configured to hold a ferrule and to be fitted with a fitting portion of a coupling counterpart member; and a rear housing, mounted to the front housing so as to be allowed to slide toward front and rear directions at a rear side of the front housing. The front housing includes a latching piece with elasticity, provided on an upper side outer wall face. The latching piece includes: a locking portion, configured to engage with an engaging portion for fitting of the coupling counterpart member; and a releasing portion, configured to release the locking portion from an engaging state with the engaging portion for fitting, The rear housing includes a releasing lever, provided at an upper side. The releasing lever includes: a hook portion, formed at a front part and configured to engage with the releasing portion at a time of retreat of the rear housing, so as to activate a release; and a knob portion for retreat, formed at a rear part. This enables easy release from the coupling counterpart member by a single action.