Telecommunications Connector With Sliding-Boot Latch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density fiber optic connector environments, accessing and unlatching connectors becomes difficult due to the location of latch triggers, making removal cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications connector design featuring rotatable front housings with pivotable latches and a movable boot that allows for easy unlatching by sliding the boot away from the yoke, enabling the latches to pivot and release from the adapter without direct engagement, combined with a crimp region design that enhances cable retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If latch triggers are positioned in conventional locations on the connector housing, then the connector structure is simple, but accessibility becomes difficult in high-density environments making removal cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pull ring as an intermediary component that connects to the latch trigger mechanism. The pull ring extends through the connector housing and provides an accessible gripping point for users. When pulled, it transmits force through the housing to actuate the latch trigger, enabling easy connector removal in high-density environments without requiring direct access to traditionally positioned latch triggers.
2Ease of operation
If the boot is made movable relative to the yoke, then unlatching becomes easier by sliding the boot away, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the boot movable relative to the yoke along the longitudinal axis of the connector. The boot can slide forward and backward, and this movement is mechanically linked to the latch trigger mechanism. When the boot is slid away from the yoke, it actuates the latch to release the connector from the adapter. This dynamic configuration allows easy unlatching operation while integrating the movement mechanism into the existing connector structure.
3Ease of operation
If latches are made pivotable relative to the front housing, then release from adapter becomes easier without direct engagement, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the latches pivotable relative to the front housing around a pivot point. The latches can rotate between an engaged position (locking the connector to the adapter) and a disengaged position (releasing the connector). This pivotable configuration allows the latches to be actuated by the movable boot without requiring direct user engagement with the latch triggers, simplifying the release operation while integrating the pivoting mechanism into the connector structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications connector. The connector includes at least one connector portion including a front housing portion coupled to a rear housing portion, the front housing portion being rotatable relative to the rear housing portion about a longitudinal axis, the front housing portion including a ferrule and a latch, the latch defining front and rear ends and being pivotable relative to the rest of the front housing portion at a connection portion. A boot mounted on the telecommunications connector is movable longitudinally relative to the rear housing portion, wherein the boot is configured to engage at least a portion of the latch of the front housing portion and cause the latch to pivot relative to the rest of the front housing portion as the boot is moved relative to the rear housing portion.