Receptacle-Mounted Connector Release for Narrow Cable Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic communication systems face challenges in delivering high bandwidth capabilities due to the need for pre-terminated cables to pass through narrow paths, requiring smaller plug connectors that can be easily routed and mated without mechanical release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A plug receptacle system with a movable plug lock and a release member that allows for easy removal of the plug connector, featuring a biasing mechanism and a release member that can be actuated to move the plug lock from a locking to a releasing position, ensuring the plug connector can be retained or released as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If pre-terminated cables are threaded through narrow ducts and small holes, then the connector size must be reduced, but the connector becomes difficult to route and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the plug connector and placed in the receptacle. This allows the connector to be minimized in size while the release function is provided by the receptacle's plug lock and actuator, resolving the contradiction between small connector size and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug lock acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connector and receptacle body, providing retention without requiring mechanical protrusions on the connector itself. This enables small connector design while maintaining secure connection and ease of release through the actuator.
2Ease of operation
If the plug connector includes a release mechanism, then removal is easier, but the connector size increases and it cannot pass through narrow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the plug connector and placed in the receptacle. This allows the connector to be minimized in size while the release function is provided by the receptacle's plug lock and actuator, resolving the contradiction between small connector size and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the plug connector has mechanical protrusions for release, then removal is enabled, but alignment and routing through narrow spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the plug connector and placed in the receptacle. This allows the connector to be minimized in size while the release function is provided by the receptacle's plug lock and actuator, resolving the contradiction between small connector size and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the connector having release protrusions, the receptacle has the release mechanism. The connector is passive while the receptacle's plug lock provides retention and release, inverting the traditional approach and enabling simpler connector geometry.
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 efficient routing of optical and electrical connectors through narrow spaces by allowing easy insertion and removal without mechanical protrusions, maintaining connector integrity and facilitating alignment through polarity keys.
Implementation Method 1
the plug lock is biased to the locking position... the release member is biased to the non-actuated position... actuating the release member moves the plug lock against the bias from the locking position to the releasing position
Data Source
AI summary
A release member is mounted at the port of a plug receptacle to enable removal of a plug connector from the port. The plug connector is devoid of releasing structure to enable removal of the plug. The release member moves parallel to or coaxial with a plug insertion axis of the port. The release member is biased to a non-actuated position separately from a plug lock being biased to a locking position. The release member can carry a polarity indicator for the port; various shaped actuation sections; and/or a biasing member for the release member.