Optical Fiber Adapter Shutter for Laser Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber adapters do not effectively obstruct high-power laser beams emitted from unused connectors, posing a risk to eye safety and requiring cumbersome caps that can be lost or expensive protection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber adapter with a shutter member comprising a main body, inner housing, movable member, elastic shutter plate, and spring, which automatically obstructs light beams by moving the shutter plate in front of the opening when a connector is not inserted, preventing exposure and dust entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cap is used to block the receiving recess, then the light beam is obstructed and dust is prevented from entering, but the cap is apt to get lost and requires manual removal during mating
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between blocking and unblocking states. The shutter plate can pivot between a first position (blocking the light beam) and a second position (allowing connector insertion), providing automatic protection without requiring manual cap handling
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism automatically performs the protection function without requiring user intervention. When no connector is inserted, the shutter plate automatically pivots to block the light beam and prevent dust entry. When a connector is inserted, the shutter automatically moves to allow mating, eliminating the need for manual cap removal and installation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover pivoting mechanism is used to obstruct the light beam, then eye safety is improved, but the construction becomes much more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is integrated directly into the adapter housing structure, combining the protection function with the existing adapter components. The shutter plate, movable member, and spring are integrated within the adapter body rather than being separate attached components, simplifying the overall construction
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components (shutter plate, movable member, spring) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, avoiding the use of complex and expensive pivot mechanisms while achieving the same safety function
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection cap is used to cover the receiving recess, then the light beam is blocked, but the structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is merged with the adapter housing, eliminating the need for a separate protection cap. The shutter plate is integrated into the adapter body structure, combining the protection function with the existing adapter components rather than adding a separate protective device
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member serves multiple functions: blocking the light beam for eye safety, preventing dust entry, and automatically allowing connector insertion when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection caps and simplifies the overall structure
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 solution effectively blocks high-power light beams, ensuring eye safety and simplifying the mating process by automatically covering the opening, while maintaining a cost-effective and less complex design compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the accommodation room to push the movable member toward a first opening of the accommodation room
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber adapter according to the present disclosure includes a main body, an inner housing, a movable member, an elastic shutter member, a spring and a cover plate. The main body has an axial accommodation room and an access opening is provided on a first wall of the main body. The inner housing is placed within the accommodation room and includes a hollow cylinder extending from the front surface of a flange. The movable member is positioned within the accommodation room and is configured to be moved toward a second opening of the accommodation room. The shutter member is positioned within the accommodation room and includes a fixed portion, a shutter plate and a connecting portion. The fixed portion is fixed at the movable member and is moved with the movable member. The connecting portion connects the fixed portion with the shutter plate. The shutter plate extends from the connecting portion and arrives in front of an opening of the hollow cylinder. The spring is positioned within the accommodation room to push the movable member toward a first opening of the accommodation room. The cover plate is placed to cover the access opening on the first wall.