Optical Component Slide Latch Interface for Intuitive Tray Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic systems lack efficient and intuitive mechanisms for connecting and releasing fiber optic components from structures like fiber management trays, requiring complex latch mechanisms that are difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection interface with a flexible cantilever latch and interlock mechanism that allows components to be easily interlocked and disengaged through lateral sliding, enabling intuitive coupling and decoupling without initial latch flexion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used for connecting fiber optic components, then the connection can be secured, but the operation becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into separate functional elements: a latch member with a head portion and a body portion, an interlock feature, and a release feature. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-step latch mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simplified single-step lateral sliding motion. The essential securing function is retained while removing unnecessary operational complexity, achieving both reliability and ease of use.
2Reliability
If a latch must be directly pressed down to engage, then the latching action is direct, but the operation becomes less intuitive and more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pressing the latch down vertically to engage, the mechanism is inverted to use lateral sliding motion for engagement. The latch member slides laterally relative to the component body, with the head portion moving past the interlock feature, making the operation more intuitive and easier to perform.
3Reliability
If the latch must be flexed before sliding the component into position, then the latch can be properly positioned, but the operation becomes multi-step and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch positioning and component insertion actions are merged into a single lateral sliding motion. As the component body slides laterally, the latch member is simultaneously positioned and engaged in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate flexing and sliding steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is pre-configured with a head portion that is larger than the interlock feature, ensuring proper positioning is achieved automatically during the lateral sliding motion without requiring preliminary manual manipulation or flexing.
4Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is used, then secure connection can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The essential securing function is extracted from complex multi-component latch mechanisms and implemented through a simple lateral sliding interlock between the latch member's head portion and the component body's interlock feature, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member and component body are designed to self-align and self-engage through their geometric features (head portion larger than interlock feature, ramp surfaces). The structure itself provides the securing mechanism without requiring complex additional components or mechanisms.
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
Facilitates simple, reliable, and efficient connection and disconnection of fiber optic components, enhancing usability and reducing the complexity of mounting and demounting processes in fiber optic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible cantilever latch positioned within the enlarged portion of the attachment opening. The flexible cantilever latch has a length that extends along the first reference line. The flexible cantilever latch includes a base end and a free end. As the second connection interface arrangement is slid from the first position to the second position, the ramp surface causes the flexible cantilever latch to deflect from a latching position to an unlatched position.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical connection interface for connecting and releasing optical components is disclosed. The mechanical connection interface includes a slide latch arrangement for securing an optical component such as a splice holder to a structure such as a tray.