Optical Connector Receptacle Integrating Flange and Elastic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector systems require a large number of parts and have a significant size due to their complex configurations, making them cumbersome for attachment to attachment holes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a ferrule with an integrated flange, elastic deformation portion, and locking protruding portion to attach to an attachment wall by sandwiching the peripheral edge of the attachment hole, reducing the number of necessary parts and size through a cantilever-shaped elastic deformation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical connector systems use multiple separate parts for attachment, then the attachment function is achieved, but the number of parts and overall size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flange, elastic deformation portion, and locking protruding portion into a single piece structure formed integrally with the receptacle housing. This merging of multiple attachment components into one unified structure reduces the number of parts while maintaining the attachment and locking functions, directly resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and device complexity
2Reliability
If conventional optical connector systems use multiple separate parts for attachment, then the attachment function is achieved, but the size of the parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the flange, elastic deformation portion, and locking protruding portion into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the overall volume occupied by attachment mechanisms. The integrated structure eliminates gaps and redundant materials between separate parts, achieving compact sizing while preserving attachment reliability
3Device complexity
If a cantilever-shaped elastic deformation portion is used for locking, then the number of parts is reduced and size is minimized, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex in structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic deformation portion with cantilever shape that utilizes material elasticity to achieve locking functionality. By changing the structural parameters (cantilever geometry, elastic material properties) rather than adding complex mechanical components, the patent reduces part count while keeping manufacturing relatively simple through integral forming processes
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 configuration allows for a compact and efficient attachment system that reduces the number of parts and size, enhancing attachment reliability and workability while maintaining secure locking and easy release.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation portion (23a) extending from the flange (22) along an external surface (24a) of the receptacle housing (20); and a locking protruding portion (23b) protruding from the elastic deformation portion (23a) to an opposite side of the external surface (24a)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector receptacle of the invention includes: a receptacle housing holding a ferrule; a flange protruding from an external surface of the receptacle housing; an elastic deformation portion extending from the flange along the external surface of the receptacle housing; and a locking protruding portion protruding from the elastic deformation portion to the opposite side of the external surface of the receptacle housing. The optical connector receptacle is attachable to an attachment wall by sandwiching a peripheral edge of an attachment hole of the attachment wall between the flange and the locking protruding portion. A state where the locking protruding portion is locked by the peripheral edge of the attachment hole of the attachment wall is releasable as a result of elastically deforming the elastic deformation portion to be directed to the external surface of the receptacle housing.