Optical Transceiver Plug with Hammer Retention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical transceivers with bi-directional optical sub-assemblies (BOSA) often have issues with miss-insertion of external optical connectors into non-coupled ports, which can disrupt communication and are difficult to assemble and disassemble, leading to production inefficiencies and potential damage to components.

Innovation Solution

An optical transceiver design featuring a bi-directional optical sub-assembly in one port and a plug in the other, with a hammer mechanism to prevent the plug from slipping out, utilizing a latch and stopper configuration to secure the plug within the port, and additional mechanisms for easy disassembly using specific tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the non-coupled port is left open, then assembly is simple and accessible, but external connectors may be miss-inserted disrupting communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of miss-insertionVSAvoidplug and hammer mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is extracted as a separate component that can be removed when needed, rather than being an integral part of the transceiver housing. This allows the port to be sealed during normal operation to prevent miss-insertion, while enabling access when maintenance or connector replacement is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug is installed in advance to prevent potential miss-insertion of external connectors into the non-coupled port. The hammer mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage and secure the plug, providing preliminary protection against communication disruptions before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the plug is securely fixed with hammer mechanism, then the plug remains in place reliably, but disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug retentionVSAvoiddisassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hammer mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be easily actuated in one direction (removal) while providing strong retention in the other direction (installation). The hammer can be quickly struck to engage or disengage the plug, transforming a potentially difficult disassembly operation into a simple, tool-assisted action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the plug is easily removable, then disassembly is simple, but the plug may slip out during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisassembly easeVSAvoidplug retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hammer mechanism is pre-positioned and pre-loaded during assembly to automatically engage with the plug's retention features. This preliminary action ensures that the plug is securely held in place during operation, while still allowing for easy removal when the hammer is deliberately actuated with a tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9632264B2Optical transceiver with plug in one of paired optical ports

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical transceiver having a bi-directional optical subassembly (BOSA) and a twin optical port is disclosed. The BOSA is installed with respect to one of the twin port, and a plug is plugged within the other of the twin port. The plug, which is made of resin material, is rigidly set in the other of the twin port and reliably prohibited from slipping out from the port.