Plug Connector Latching Mechanism for Optical Waveguide Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connection systems for optical waveguides require complex spring constructions to compensate for dimensional tolerances and connect fiber optic components of different dimensions, leading to cumbersome designs.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection system featuring a latching mechanism with locking hooks and grooves that allows for fine resolution and axial movement, eliminating the need for complex spring-loaded systems, and enabling easy connection of different structural conditions with a hexagonal design and interchangeable contact types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex spring constructions are used to compensate for dimensional tolerances and connect fiber optic components of different dimensions, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex spring construction from the connector design. Instead of using spring-loaded ferrules and compression springs to compensate for dimensional tolerances, the invention uses a simple latching mechanism with locking hooks that directly engages with the mating connector, achieving reliable connection without the intermediary spring elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based compensation system with a geometric latching system. The locking hooks with specific geometry engage with corresponding features on the mating connector, providing both tolerance compensation and secure connection through pure geometric engagement rather than elastic deformation.
2Reliability
If elaborate plug connection systems are designed to achieve environmentally tight fiber optic connections with different mechanical dimensions, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical locking, compensates for dimensional tolerances, ensures environmentally tight connection through the sealing surface, and enables simple manufacturing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of tolerance compensation, locking, and sealing into a single integrated latching mechanism. The locking hook structure combines the geometric compensation feature with the locking engagement and sealing surface, reducing the number of parts and simplifying manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring-loaded ferrule systems are used to compensate for dimensional tolerances, then the adaptability to different manufacturers' dimensions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the locking hook geometry to achieve adaptability. By designing the locking hook with specific dimensional parameters that can accommodate variations in ferrule dimensions from different manufacturers, the system achieves versatility without requiring adjustable or complex spring-loaded mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If a latching mechanism with multiple locking hooks and grooves is used to achieve fine resolution locking, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism into multiple discrete locking hooks and corresponding grooves arranged circumferentially. This segmentation allows fine resolution positioning through the engagement of specific hook-groove pairs while keeping each individual element simple in design, reducing overall complexity compared to a single complex locking mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connection system for a two-part plug connection comprising a plug connector (2) and a matching mating plug (5), wherein the plug connector (2) comprises a latching unit (4) having latching catches (43) arranged thereon that engage in grooved regions (52) on the mating plug (5). A plurality of grooved regions (52) are arranged circumferentially on the sleeve-like mating plug (5) and are offset with respect to one another by a specific distance (ds) relative to the plug edge (54). In the case of grooved regions (52) that are arranged in multiple pairs on the outer face of the connecting sleeve (51), only one pair of latching catches (43, 43) engages in a latching groove (53') in the grooved region (52) during the plug operation, whereas the other latching catches each remain on a sawtooth flank (55) before or behind the one occupied latching groove (53'). A delicate sliding latching to the reciprocal stop of any contacts is thus possible and a costly receptacle for the contacts is no longer necessary. For unlocking, the latching catches (43) engaging in the latching grooves (53) are lifted out of the latching grooves (53) by means of opening catches (33) when the outer sleeve (3) of the mating connector (2) is retracted.