Plug Latch Mechanism with Dual-Action Slider for Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors with latches often confuse users due to a single operation (pushing or pulling) required to release the engaged state, leading to usability difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring a latch that is elastically displaceable and a slider with a cover part, where the slider can push down the cover part to release the latch, allowing for both pushing-down and pulling operations to release the engaged state, enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single operation (pushing or pulling) is used to release the latch, then the structure is simple, but the usability is poor and users may be confused
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is designed to be movable in the extraction direction, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. When the slider moves during plug extraction, it automatically pushes the cover part down to release the latch, providing an intuitive dual-operation mechanism that improves usability without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The slider serves multiple functions: it acts as both a movable component for plug extraction and a latch release mechanism. By integrating these two functions into a single component, the design allows users to release the latch through either pushing or pulling operations, enhancing ease of operation while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity
2Reliability
If the cover part is pushed down to release the latch, then the latch can be released, but the guide surface is needed to ensure proper movement
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surface is provided only at the engaging portions that interact during latch release, rather than throughout the entire cover part and plug main body. This localized approach ensures reliable latch release through proper alignment and movement guidance, while minimizing the amount of additional structure needed
3Ease of operation
If the slider is moveable in extraction direction, then dual operations are enabled, but the engaging portions must be precisely configured
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surface acts as an intermediary element between the cover part and plug main body, mediating their relative movement during latch release. This intermediary feature ensures that even with normal manufacturing tolerances, the engaging portions will align properly and the slider will effectively push the cover part down, enabling dual operations without requiring extreme manufacturing precision
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 design improves usability by allowing intuitive release of the latch through dual operations, ensuring easy engagement and disengagement with the adapter, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a latch provided at the plug main body so as to be elastically displaceable from an outside of the plug main body toward an outer surface of the plug main body
Implementation Method 2
the slider is supported to the plug main body such that the slider is able to push down the cover part from the outside toward the outer surface
Implementation Method 3
one of the engaging portions is slid along the guide surface of the other of the engaging portions, so that the cover part comes close to the outer surface of the plug main body
Data Source
AI summary
A plug attached to a terminal part of a cable includes a plug main body to be connected to an adaptor, a latch, which is provided at the plug main body so as to be elastically displaceable from an outside of the plug main body toward an outer surface of the plug main body and which is engaged to the adaptor, and a slider including a cover part that is disposed at the outside of the latch. When the cover part is pushed down toward the outer surface or when the slider is moved in an extraction direction in which the plug main body is to be extracted from the adaptor, the latch is pushed down toward the outer surface and the engaging state of the latch is released.