Push-Pull Fiber Optic Connector Cam Latch Shroud
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density fiber optic connector installations, existing connectors are difficult to connect and disconnect due to close spacing, often requiring the removal of adjacent connectors, which is time-consuming and prone to misconnection.
Innovation Solution
Push-pull fiber optic connectors with a latch actuated by a cam surface, featuring a shroud that allows easy insertion or removal by pushing or pulling, and a decoupling member with interlocking geometry for efficient connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fiber optic connectors are arranged in high-density patch panels, then bandwidth capacity increases, but the space available for manual manipulation decreases making connection and disconnection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud extends beyond the housing boundaries in the lateral dimension, creating an external gripping surface that protrudes outward. This dimensional extension allows operators to access and manipulate the connector from the front face without needing to reach behind or around adjacent connectors, effectively solving the high-density spacing problem by adding operational space in a different dimensional plane.
2Reliability
If traditional latching mechanisms are used, then connection security is achieved, but the mechanism requires complex manual manipulation to disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface is inverted in its functional action: during insertion, the cam surface automatically engages the latch to secure the connection, while during extraction, pulling the shroud backward causes the cam surface to disengage the latch. This inversion of the traditional mechanism eliminates the need for separate release actions, making disconnection as simple as pulling while maintaining secure locking during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface and latch mechanism are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the insertion and extraction motions themselves. The lateral movement of the decoupling member relative to the housing during these operations automatically actuates the latch without requiring additional manual intervention, making the system self-servicing for both connection and disconnection functions.
3Ease of operation
If adjacent connectors are removed to access a desired connector, then access is achieved, but time is lost and misconnection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is extracted from the housing as a separate, externally accessible component that protrudes beyond the connector assembly boundaries. This extraction of the gripping interface allows operators to directly access and manipulate the desired connector by its unique shroud identifier without needing to physically move or remove adjacent connectors, eliminating the time-consuming process of clearing space for access.
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
Enables quick and reliable connection and disconnection of fiber optic connectors in high-density applications, reducing the risk of misconnection and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a latch that is actuated by a cam surface
Data Source
AI summary
Push-pull fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies having a latch that is actuated by a cam surface are disclosed. The fiber optic connectors include a ferrule and a housing having the latch. A shroud fits over a portion of the housing and allows the craft to grab the shroud and push the shroud and hence the fiber optic connector into a suitable adapter or the like. Likewise, the craft can grab the shroud and pull on the same to remove the fiber optic connector out of the adapter or the like. The cam surface is disposed on a decoupling member, wherein the decoupling member is attached to the shroud so the components can move together. Methods of making the push-pull fiber optic connector are also disclosed.