Push-Pull Fiber Optic Connector Assembly Single-Action Latch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connectors require different directions for unlocking and removal from adapters, making mounting and dismounting cumbersome, especially in high-density installations, and existing supplementary tools are inefficient for quick removal.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull type fiber optic connector assembly with an operating handle that allows single-action, ergonomic operation by using a sliding cap and wedge-shaped pressure rod to disengage the connector from the adapter, aligning the pulling direction with the withdrawal direction for convenient single-hand operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latch mechanism with separate pressing and pulling directions is used, then the connector can be securely locked to the adapter, but the mounting and dismounting operations become cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking and unlocking functions into a single integrated latch mechanism (12) that can be operated in one direction. The latch includes an elastic arm (121) with a top guide surface (1211) that guides the pressing motion, and coupling blocks (122) that engage with stop walls (323) to provide both locking and unlocking actions through a single pressing movement, eliminating the need for separate pressing and pulling directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional operation sequence by allowing the latch to be engaged and disengaged through the same pressing direction. Instead of requiring pulling to disengage, the elastic arm's flexibility allows it to be pressed down to both engage and disengage the coupling blocks from the stop walls, reversing the traditional separate-direction approach.
2Reliability
If the latch is positioned to require pressing in one direction and pulling in another, then the connector can be securely mounted, but accessing the latch in high-density installations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latch operation from the conventional requiring two-directional access (pressing and pulling) and reduces it to a single pressing action. The elastic arm (121) is designed to be pressed down to both engage and disengage the coupling blocks (122) from the stop walls (323), making the latch accessible from one direction only, which is crucial for high-density installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm (121) with its inherent flexibility provides self-service functionality where the same component performs both locking and unlocking without requiring external tools or additional operational directions. The elastic nature allows it to return to its original position after being pressed, automatically re-engaging the latch without manual intervention.
3Loss of time
If existing supplementary tools are used for quick removal, then some time can be saved, but the operation still requires multiple steps and is not efficient enough
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with self-service capabilities where the integrated latch mechanism (12) can be quickly disengaged by simply pressing the elastic arm (121) down, eliminating the need for external supplementary tools. The same mechanism that provides secure locking also enables quick release through a single pressing action, reducing both time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is segmented into functional components (elastic arm (121), top guide surface (1211), coupling blocks (122)) that work together to provide both secure locking and quick release capabilities. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, contributing to overall quick operation without requiring complex external tools.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient mounting and dismounting of fiber optic connectors with reduced effort, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance time in high-density installations.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge-shaped pressure rod backwardly extended from the recessed portion
Implementation Method 2
a cam located at one lateral side of a distal end of the push arm and inserted into the recessed portion of the fiber optic connector
Implementation Method 3
a latch having an elastic arm backwardly extended from the top of the connector housing for locking the connector housing to the fiber optic adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A push-pull type fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic connector connectable to fiber optic adapter and including connector housing, latch having elastic arm extended from top of connector housing for locking connector housing to fiber optic adapter, recessed portion located at bottom side relative to latch, pressure rod extended from recessed portion, fiber ferrule mounted in cable passage inside connector housing, connector sub assembly mounted in connector housing to hold fiber ferrule and fiber optic cable having fiber core inserted through fiber ferrule, and operating handle including sliding cap movably capped on connector housing, push member having push arm forwardly extended from sliding cap, cam located at one side of push arm and inserted into recessed portion of fiber optic connector, and handle shaft extended from sliding cap to pull sliding cap backwards in forcing down wedge-shaped pressure rod for disengaging fiber optic connector from fiber optic adapter.