Fiber optic connector body and reversible fiber optic connector assembly

Abstract

The utility solution relates to a reversible waterproof fiber optic connector body, which comprises: a front body section (5a); a rear body section (5b); and a locking component (4). The front body section (5a) includes two protruding parts at the front: a positioning chamfer (5a1) on the top with a directional arrow, and a semi-circular bottom surface (5a2). Toward the rear, the front body section features two symmetrical locking tabs (5a3) on both sides, as well as symmetrical alignment ridges (5a5) on the top and bottom surfaces. The rear body section (5b) includes two symmetrical chamfers (5b1, 5b2) on the top and bottom, with chamfer depths matching the positioning chamfer (5a1). Locking tab slots (5b3) are located both sides, corresponding to the locking tabs of the front body section. The alignment groove (5b5) is recessed and engages with the alignment ridges of the front body section when the two sections are connected. The locking component (4) is tubular in sharp, with a push-pull step (41) on its front edge and an internal assembly step (42) inside.

Description

[0001] RECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0002] 29 APR 2025

[0003] FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR BODY AND REVERSIBLE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The invention relates to a fiber optic connector assembly, specifically a waterproof fiber optic connector assembly. In particular, it refers to the connector body of the waterproof fiber optic connector assembly, which allows the front body section to be removed and reversed.

[0006] Background Art

[0007] A fiber optic connector is used to secure and lock fiber optic cables while providing waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant protection.

[0008] Fiber optic connectors can be categorized into indoor and outdoor types based on their operating environment. Outdoor connectors require high waterproof performance

[0009] One known waterproof fiber optic connector available on the market is the OptiTap Connector, which was developed based on the standard SC (Subscriber Connector) body. The outer body of this connector provides alignment, fixation, and waterproofing for the internal SC connector. The SC connector inside is pre-processed, polished, and completed before being assembled into the outer OptiTap body.

[0010] Referencing Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate the overall structure of an OptiTap connector after being connected to an SC fiber optic connector (3) with an optical fiber cable (8).

[0011] This connector includes a screw dust cap (1) attached to the boot section (7) via a tether (2), The dust cap (1) can rotate freely relative to the tether (2). The optical fiber (8) passes through the boot section (7), which is assembled with the inner housing (5). The outer housing – coupling nut (6) has external threads and can rotate relative to the inner housing (5), which encloses the SC connector, providing reinforcement, alignment, and waterproof protection.

[0012] It is known that the end face of the optical ferrule (3b) is finely polished to a mirror-like surface to ensure optimal signal transmission. This surface is made of glass fiber, which is fragile and can only withstand minimal contact with another polished surface. It is prone to scratches and fractures during assembly and operation. Therefore, in practice, technicians must frequently inspect the mirror surface (3bl) before installation. The inner housing (5) has a flat chamfered surface (51) and a front face (52). The tip of the SC connector ferrule (3b) is always positioned lower than theRECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0013] 29 APR 2025

[0014] front face (52), making it difficult to clean or repair the ferrule mirror surface. Additionally, since the SC connector (3) is secured by holder (9), accessing and repairing the mirror surface of the ferrule (3b) is challenging due to obstruction by the flat chamfered surface (51) and front face (52). The SC connector has two types of ferrule end faces after polishing: flat (PC) and angled (APC). The choice between these two types depends on the user's requirements, wwith the APC type being more widely used due to its lower return loss. While the PC type allows for unrestricted rotational alignment during connection, the APC type requires a specific alignment angle. If assembled incorrectly, the connector will experience significant signal loss. In practice, the rotational orientation of the SC connector is determined by the SC frame plug (3a). The arrow mark on the upper chamfered surface helps differentiate the top from the bottom of the connector body. However, during assembly, misalignment can still occur. Once the SC connector is fully assembled, its rotational orientation cannot be changed.

[0015] Thus, the OptiTap connector and similar connectors often have two main drawbacks:

[0016] - Irreversible Assembly Errors - During assembly, if a worker installs the connector in the wrong orientation, it cannot be corrected. The entire connector must be cut off and reassembled from scratch, leading to waste in the production process.

[0017] Difficult Maintenance & Repairs - During testing and field installation, if the fiber core surface gets scratched or broken and does not meet technical requirements, the entire connector must be discarded.

[0018] Summary

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a connector assembly with an improved body component, replacing the inner housing (5) as described in Figures 1 and 2,

[0020] To address the aforementioned issues with existing connectors, this invention proposes a similar connector assembly with an improved body design to overcome these drawbacks. Specifically: The fiber optic connector assembly in this invention includes: A cap connected to the boot section via a connecting cord. The cap can rotate freely and independently from the cord, The optical fiber is threaded through the boot section, which is connected to the connector body, An outer housing is installed over the inner body and can rotate freely around its axis. The body component encloses and protects the SC connector, ferrule, and fiber optic cable, which are processed and installed in the usual manner.RECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0021] 29 APR 2025

[0022] The connector body in this invention consists of a front body section and a rear body section. Once assembled, these two sections form a complete structure. However, when the front body section is detached, the SC connector extends outward, making it easier to clean, re-polish, and repair the ferrule surface if it does not meet technical standards.

[0023] Additionally, since A PC-type SC connectors experience significant signal loss when misaligned, incorrect installation during assembly is unavoidable. To address this issue, the front body section is designed to be removable, it can then be rotated 180 degrees and reattached, reversing the orientation of the SC connector to correct any assembly errors.

[0024] The waterproof fiber optic connector assembly includes: Dust cap, Tether between the cap and the body, Optical connector, Outer housing, Boot. Reversible waterproof fiber optic connector body, which consists of: Front body section, Rear body section. Locking mechanism.

[0025] The front body section includes: Positioning chamfers with directional arrows on both the top and bottom surfaces. Two symmetrical locking tabs facing the rear. Alignment ridge

[0026] The rear body section includes: Two symmetrical chamfers, Locking tab slots. Alignment groove The locking mechanism is a tube-shaped component, with a push-pull step on the front edge and an internal assembly step inside

[0027] Under normal conditions and when the connector is assembled in the correct orientation: When the front body section is inserted into the rear body section, the locking tabs on the front body are compressed to fit into place. The alignment ridge on the front body engages with the alignment groove on the rear body, ensuring proper positioning and preventing misalignment. This allows the locking tabs to fully engage with the locking tab slots on the rear body, securing the front body in place. At this point, the contact surfaces of both sections are properly mated, and the positioning pin prevents the front body from rotating. Additionally, the positioning chamfer of the front body aligns with the upper chamfer of the rear body. Once the body assembly is completed, the remaining parts of the connector are installed as usual.

[0028] In case the connector is assembled in the wrong orientation: To reverse the orientation of the connector, simply rotate the positioning chamfer downward by 180 degrees, bringing the bottom side to the top. At this point, rotating the entire connector by 180 degrees will reverse its orientation. Disassemble the front body section by first removing the locking mechanism, then pulling the front body section outward to detach it. Rotate the front body section 180 degrees along its vertical axis so that the positioning chamfer is now facing downward, and the bottom side is now facing upward. Reinsert the front body section: When the positioning pin aligns with theRECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0029] 29 APR 2025

[0030] alignment groove, it allows the locking tabs to engage with the locking tab slots, securing the front body in place. At this point, the contact surfaces are properly mated, and the positioning pin prevents unwanted rotation. The positioning chamfer of the front body will now align with the lower chamfer, while the rounded bottom surface will align with the upper chamfer of the rear body. Reattach the locking mechanism to secure all components together. Once the body assembly is completed, the remaining parts of the connector are installed as usual.

[0031] Brief Description of the Figures

[0032] The signs, purpose, and additional advantages of the invention will be further explained in detail in the following section, with references to the figures below:

[0033] Figure 1: Perspective view of the OptiTap fiber optic connector available on the market.Figure 2: Exploded perspective view of the OptiTap fiber optic connector available on the market. Figure 3: Illustration of the fiber optic ferrule end face with Angled PC (APC) polishing, according to 1EC standards.

[0034] Figures 4a, 4b: Perspective views of the assembly and disassembly of the fiber optic connector components.

[0035] Figure 4c: Detailed view of the front body section (5a) after being rotated 180 degrees, showing that the two symmetrical faces are not identical.

[0036] Figure 5: Perspective view of the assembly of the front body section (5a) after being rotated 180 degrees.

[0037] Figure 6: Side orthogonal projection view of the fiber optic connector.

[0038] Figure 7: Cross-sectional top orthogonal projection view of the fiber optic connector.

[0039] Figure 8: Exploded top cross-sectional orthogonal projection view of the fiber optic connector

[0040] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0041] Referring to Figures 4a-4c, specifically: Figures 4a and 4b: Perspective views illustrating the assembly and disassembly of the fiber optic connector components. Figure 4c: A detailed view of the front body section (5a) after being rotated 180 degrees, showing that the two symmetrical faces are not identical. The connector body in this invention consists of a front body section (5a) and a rear body section (5b). Once assembled, these two sections form a complete structure with a profile equivalent to the body (5) of the OptiTap connector. When the front body section (5a) isRECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0042] 29 APR 2025

[0043] detached from the rear body section (5b), the SC fiber optic connector (3) extends outward, allowing for easier cleaning, re-polishing, and surface repairs in case the connector does not meet technical standards.

[0044] On the other hand, the SC fiber optic connector (3) has two types of ferrule end faces after polishing: flat (PC) and angled (APC). The choice between these types depends on the user's requirements, with the APC type being more widely used because it provides lower return loss. While the PC type allows for free rotational alignment, the APC type requires a specific orientation for proper connection. If assembled incorrectly, the connector will suffer significant signal loss. In practice, the rotational alignment of the SC connector is determined by the front body section (3a). The angled surface on the top helps distinguish it from the bottom surface of the connector body. However, misalignment can still occur during assembly. Once the SC connector is fully assembled, its orientation can no longer be changed. To solve this issue, the front body section (5a) is designed to be removable. It can be detached, rotated 180 degrees along its axis, and reattached, effectively reversing the orientation of the SC fiber optic connector (3).

[0045] The front body section (5a), once assembled with the rear body section (5b), will have an overall profile equivalent to the existing OptiTap body (5). It is designed to be compatible with the SC fiber optic connector (3) inside, as well as the outer housing (6) and the boot section (7), which protects the fiber optic cable (8). The front body section (5a) features two protruding parts: The positioning chamfer (5al) on the top, The semi-circular bottom surface (5a2), Two symmetrical locking tabs (5a3) at the rear, Contact surface (5a4), Symmetrical alignment ridges (5a5). The rear body section (5b) includes: Two symmetrical chamfers (5b1, 5b2), Locking tab slots (5b3), Contact surface (5b4), Alignment groove (5b5).

[0046] After the front body section (5a) and rear body section (5b) are connected, the locking component (4) is installed. The front face of the locking component (4) has an opening that allows the SC fiber optic connector (3) to pass through.

[0047] Referring to Figures 5-6, in cases where the fiber optic connector needs to be reworked, the installer can easily detach and reassemble the front body section (5a) without affecting the SC fiber optic connector (3). Additionally, the sections 5a 1 and 5a2 serve as protective features to prevent impacts on the fiber optic connector (3).

[0048] Referring to Figure 7, the locking component (4) has a tubular shape, with an internal assembly step (42), an outer surface (43), and a push-pull step (41) on the front face. After assembling the front body section (5a) with the rear body section (5b) and installing the locking component (4), the outer surface (43) of the locking component presses against the inner surfaceRECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0049] 29 APR 2025

[0050] (5a6) of the front body section and secures the locking tabs (5a3). This applied force ensures that the front body section (5a) remains securely attached and prevents it from being unintentionally detached or displaced due to external forces. At the same time, the internal assembly step (42) of the locking component engages with the locking tab (3a1) of the SC connector body (3a), holding it firmly in place.

[0051] Referring to Figure 8, to remove the front body section (5a), the locking component (4) must first be detached to unlock the assembly. This is done by hooking and pulling at the push-pull step (41), which releases the internal assembly step (42) from the locking tab (3a1). As a result, the locking component (4) slides out under the applied pulling force and disengages from both the front body section (5a) and the SC fiber optic connector (3). Next, force is applied to the locking tabs (5a3) to fully detach the front body section (5a). After completing this process, the components will be separated in the order illustrated in Figure 8.

[0052] Operation Mechanism

[0053] Under normal conditions and when the connector is assembled in the correct orientation: When the front body section (5a) is inserted into the rear body section (5b): The locking tabs (5a3) of the front body section are compressed to fit into place. The alignment ridge (5a5) on the front body section engages with the alignment groove (5b5) on the rear body section, ensuring proper positioning and preventing misalignment during assembly. This allows the locking tabs (5a3) to fully engage with the locking tab slots (5b3) on the rear body section, securing the front body in place. At this point: The contact surface (5a4) makes contact with the corresponding surface (5b4). The alignment ridge (5a5) prevents unwanted rotation of the front body section (5a). The positioning chamfer (5al) on the front body section (5a) aligns with the upper chamfer (5b1) on the rear body section (5b), ensuring correct orientation..

[0054] In case the connector is assembled in the wrong orientation: To reverse the orientation of the connector, simply rotate the positioning chamfer (5a1) downward by 180 degrees, bringing the bottom surface (5a2) to the top. At this point, rotating the entire connector by 180 degrees will correct its orientation. Remove the front body section (5a): First, detach the locking component (4). Then, pull out the front body section (5a) to disengage it. Rotate the front body section (5a) 180 degrees along its vertical axis: The positioning chamfer (5a1) is now facing downward. The bottom surface (5a2) is now facing upward. Reinsert the front body section (5a): When the alignment ridge (5a5) fits into the alignment groove (5b5), it ensures proper positioning. This allows the locking tabs (5a3) to engage with the locking tab slots (5b3), securing the front body section in place. The contact surface (5a4) aligns and makes contact with surface (5b4), preventing unwanted movement. The positioning chamfer (5a 1) on the front body section (5a) now aligns with the lower chamferRECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0055] 29 APR 2025

[0056] (5b2) on the rear body section (5b). The rounded bottom surface (5a2) now aligns with the upper chamfer (5b1) on the rear body section (5b). Reinstall the locking component (4) to secure all components together.

[0057] Implementation of the Invention

[0058] The reversible waterproof fiber optic connector body consists of: Front body section (5a), Rear body section (5b), Locking component (4).

[0059] The front body section (5a) includes two protruding parts at the front: The positioning chamfer (5al) on the top, with an arrow indicating direction. The semi-circular bottom surface (5a2). At the rear, the front body section has two symmetrical locking tabs (5a3) on both sides. It also features symmetrical alignment ridges (5a5) on the top and bottom surfaces.

[0060] The rear body section (5b) includes: Two symmetrical chamfers (5b 1, 5b2) on the top and bottom, with depths matching the positioning chamfer (5al). Locking tab slots (5b3) on both sides, corresponding to the locking tabs on the front body section. Alignment groove (5b5), which is recessed and fits with the alignment ridges of the front body section when both sections are connected.

[0061] The locking component (4) has a tubular shape, with a push-pull step (41) on the front edge and an internal assembly step (42). The front face has an opening sized to fit the fiber optic connector. Key Features:

[0062] The front body section and rear body section can be detached and rotated 180 degrees.

[0063] The alignment ridge and alignment groove prevent rotational movement between the front and rear body sections.

[0064] The locking tabs (5a3) and locking tab slots (5b3) restrict vertical movement, of the front and rear body sections.

[0065] The locking component (4) secures the locking tabs (5a3) from the inside while also reinforcing and stabilizing the fiber optic connector (3).

[0066] Additionally, the solution proposes a waterproof fiber optic connector assembly, which includes: Cap (1) with screw threads.

[0067] Connecting cord (2) between the cap and the body.

[0068] SC fiber optic connector (3).RECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 000002

[0069] 29 APR 2025

[0070] Outer housing (6) with screw threads.

[0071] Boot section (7).

[0072] A detachable and reversible connector body, as described above.

[0073] Effectiveness of the Invention

[0074] As demonstrated throughout this description, with the features outlined above, the invention achieves the following advantages:

[0075] Completely eliminates reversed orientation errors in case of incorrect assembly.

[0076] Optimizes material costs by preventing the need to discard the entire connector assembly when the APC -type connector is misaligned.

[0077] Facilitates easy maintenance of the connector in cases where signal transmission quality is poor.

[0078] Reference Number Guide

[0079] 1 - Cap

[0080] 2 - Connecting cord

[0081] 3 - SC fiber optic connector

[0082] 4 - Locking component

[0083] 41 - Push-pull step

[0084] 42 - Internal assembly step

[0085] 43 Outer surface of the lock

[0086] 5 - Connector body assembly

[0087] 5a - front body section

[0088] 5b - Rear body section

[0089] 6 - Outer housing

[0090] 7 – Boot section

[0091] 8 - Fiber optic cable

Claims

RECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 00000229 APR 2025CLAIMSClaim 1. A reversible and detachable waterproof fiber optic connector body, comprising:a front body section (5a), A rear body section (5b), A locking component (4);wherein: the front body section (5a) includes two protruding parts extending forward: A positioning chamfer (5al) on the top, with an arrow indicating direction, A semi-circular bottom surface (5a2). The rear-facing part of the front body section (5a) has: Two symmetrical locking tabs (5a3) on both sides, Symmetrical alignment ridges (5a5) on the top and bottom surfaces;the rear body section (5b) includes: two symmetrical chamfers (5b1, 5b2) on the top and bottom, with depths matching the positioning chamfer (5a1 ). Locking lab slots (5b3) on both sides, corresponding to the locking tabs (5a3) of the front body section. An alignment groove (5b5), which is recessed and fits with the alignment ridges (5a5) of the front body section when both sections are connected;the locking component (4) has a tubular shape, with: A push-pull step (41) on the front edge, An internal assembly step (42), A front face opening sized to fit the fiber optic connector; wherein:the front body section and rear body section can be detached and rotated 180 degrees;the alignment ridge and alignment groove restrict rotational movement between the front and rear body sections;the locking tabs (5a3) and locking tab slots (5b3) prevent vertical displacement of the front and rear body sections;the locking component (4) secures the locking tabs (5a3) from the inside, while also reinforcing and stabilizing the fiber optic connector (3).Claim 2. The waterproof fiber optic connector assembly comprises:- cap (1);- connecting cord (2) between the cap and the body;- SC fiber optic connector (3);RECORD COPY PCT / VN2025 / 00000229 APR 2025- outer housing (6);- boot section (7);- and a detachable and reversible connector body as described in Claim 1.

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