Springless SFP Connector Return Structure for Easy Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spring-based position-returning units in SFP connectors are costly and require complex assembly adjustments, leading to high production costs and reduced practicability.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a housing with guiding grooves and protrusions, an arm member with guiding arms and elastic rods, and a handle that allows for elastic deformation and restoration without springs, utilizing a simple metal sheet structure for easy assembly and low cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If cylindrical springs are used in the position-returning unit, then restoring force is provided, but the assembly becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoring forceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cylindrical spring from the position-returning unit, extracting the complex component that caused assembly difficulties. The restoring force function is instead achieved through the elastic deformation of the handle itself and the interaction with the housing slope, eliminating the need for separate spring components and simplifying the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional spring-based mechanical system with an alternative mechanism using the elastic properties of the handle and the geometric slope of the housing. This substitution eliminates the need for cylindrical springs while maintaining the restoring force function through elastic deformation and gravitational interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If cylindrical springs are used in the position-returning unit, then restoring force is provided, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoring forceVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective materials and structures for the position-returning mechanism. By using the handle's inherent elastic properties and the housing's geometric features instead of expensive cylindrical springs, the design achieves the restoring force function with lower-cost components that are easier and cheaper to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If slope design or overlapping elastic arm structures are used, then springless position-returning is achieved, but high production cost and complex housing adjustments are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespringless designVSAvoidhousing adjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the handle to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the operating component for unlocking and as the position-returning mechanism itself. The handle's elastic deformation provides the restoring force, eliminating the need for separate position-returning components and complex housing adjustments. This multi-functional design simplifies manufacturing while achieving springless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle serves itself by using its own elastic properties to provide the restoring force needed for position-returning. The interaction between the handle's elastic deformation and the housing slope creates a self-contained position-returning mechanism that does not require additional components or complex housing adjustments, making the system self-sufficient and easier to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 achieves a simple, cost-effective, and efficient unlocking mechanism with a long service life and easy assembly, eliminating the need for complex adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic rods respectively abut against the protrusions and are arranged in series at the same height. Each of the elastic rods has a bending portion and a contacting portion. The elastic rods are elastically deformed and inclined to each other when pressed by the protrusions respectively.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12362518B2Connector including springless position-returning structure

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 BIZLINK INT CORP

AI summary

A connector includes a housing, a handle, and an arm member. Two sides of the housing are provided with guiding grooves extending in a forward-backward direction. An upper surface of the housing has at least two protrusions. The arm member is connected to the handle. The arm member includes two guiding arms, a connecting wall, and two elastic rods. The guiding arms are respectively movably embedded in the corresponding guiding grooves. The connecting wall is connected to the guiding arms and is located between the guiding arms. Each of the elastic rods includes a bending portion. The elastic rods respectively abut against the protrusions and are arranged in series at the same height.