Optical Terminator Housing With Integrated Keying and Locking

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical connectors require separate mechanisms for keying and locking, leading to a complex configuration that can be improved for simplification.

Innovation Solution

A terminator with a housing having a protruding portion that functions as both a key and a lock, allowing for simplified integration by using a protruding portion that enters a slot when in the correct rotational position and abuts against an inner wall when misaligned, eliminating the need for separate keying and locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate keying and locking mechanisms are provided, then the optical connector can achieve reliable positioning and securing, but the configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the keying mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated structure. The housing includes a protruding portion that simultaneously provides keying (by entering a slot at the correct rotational position) and locking (by abutting against an inner wall to prevent removal). This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portion of the housing serves multiple functions: it acts as both the keying element (protrusion) and the locking element (abutting surface) in a single structural feature. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate keying and locking mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while maintaining both positioning and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate keying and locking mechanisms are provided, then the optical connector can achieve proper alignment and securing, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the keying mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated structure. The housing includes a protruding portion that simultaneously provides keying (by entering a slot at the correct rotational position) and locking (by abutting against an inner wall to prevent removal). This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate keying and locking mechanisms are provided, then the optical connector can achieve secure connection, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the keying mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated structure. The housing includes a protruding portion that simultaneously provides keying (by entering a slot at the correct rotational position) and locking (by abutting against an inner wall to prevent removal). This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portion of the housing serves multiple functions: it acts as both the keying element (protrusion) and the locking element (abutting surface) in a single structural feature. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate keying and locking mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while maintaining both positioning and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution simplifies the configuration, reduces material costs, and allows for easier insertion and secure connection by integrating the key and lock functions into a single protruding portion, thereby reducing the overall size and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a filter configured to reflect light in a wavelength range including a specific wavelength and transmit light outside the wavelength range among light from the optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4667989A1Terminator, terminal, and optical connection structure

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC OPTIFRONTIER CO LTD

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AI summary

A terminator according to one embodiment of the present invention is inserted in a hole of a terminal and is optically connected to an optical fiber disposed in the hole. The terminator includes: a filter that, when the terminator is in a state of being inserted in the hole of the terminal, reflects, of light from the terminal, light in a wavelength range including a specific wavelength, and transmits light outside the wavelength range; a ferrule that holds the filter; a plug frame that encompasses the ferrule; and a housing coupled to the plug frame. The housing includes a protruding portion. The protruding portion: enters the hole when a position of the terminator in a rotation direction relative to the terminal is an insertable position; and contacts an inner wall formed inside the hole when the position of the terminator in the rotation direction relative to the terminal is other than the insertable position. The protruding portion crosses over a bump formed inside the hole when entering the hole.