Push-Pull Fiber Boot Connector for High-Density Latch Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors, such as LC connectors, are limited by their physical size and require direct manipulation for latching mechanisms, making them difficult to install or remove at high densities and occupying valuable space in datacenters.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull boot connector design with a latch release ramp that allows remote release by pulling or pushing on the strain relief boot, eliminating the need for direct access to the connector housing and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional LC connectors with extended pulling latches are used, then accessibility for removal is improved, but space consumption increases and connector density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted from the connector body and integrated into the adapter instead. The adapter's latch engages with the connector housing directly, eliminating the need for extended pulling latches on the connector itself. This allows the connector to have a compact form factor while maintaining ease of removal through the adapter's latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary between the user and the connector. Instead of directly manipulating the connector's latch, the user operates the adapter's latch which then actuates the connector's retention. This mediator approach allows compact connector design while preserving accessibility for installation and removal.
2Productivity
If compact connector designs are used to increase density, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility to manipulate latching mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a mediator that provides the user interface for latching operations. The adapter's larger, more accessible latch mechanism compensates for the compact connector design, allowing users to easily install and remove connectors without needing direct access to the connector's own latching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching operation is moved from the connector dimension to the adapter dimension. By placing the latch mechanism in the adapter rather than the connector, the system exploits the additional spatial dimension provided by the adapter housing to achieve both compactness and accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If extended pulling latches are added to facilitate removal, then ease of removal is improved, but the amount of space occupied by each connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended pulling latch functionality is extracted from the connector and relocated to the adapter. The adapter's latch mechanism provides the extended leverage and grip needed for easy removal without requiring the connector itself to have extended features that would increase its footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter's latch mechanism is designed to self-engage and self-disengage from the connector housing through simple push-pull motion. This self-service latching system eliminates the need for complex extended latches while maintaining ease of removal through intuitive operation.
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
Enhances accessibility and increases connector density in datacenters by allowing easy installation and removal without protruding latches, enabling up to 288 fibers per 1RU panel.
Implementation Method 1
A latch release ramp is provided on one of the connector housing and the strain relief boot... The latch release ramp of the push-pull boot connector is configured to disengage the latch of the adapter from the push-pull boot connector
Data Source
AI summary
A push-pull connection includes a push-pull boot connector and an adapter, which are connected together and retained with a latching mechanism. The push-pull boot connector includes a connector housing and a remote release push-pull strain relief boot. The connector housing, when pulled away from the mating face of the adapter, via the strain relief boot, will detach the latching mechanism.