Compact Fiber Optic Connector Assembly Without Jacket Tearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optical connectors are too long to meet 5G network length requirements, require high precision assembly, damage structural strength during forced assembly, and compromise cable protection due to jacket tearing, leading to easy disconnection and signal failure.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optical connector design with a reduced length range of 30-35 mm, incorporating a sleeve piece with integrated block and threaded portion, elastic protrusions, and crimp connection for secure assembly without jacket tearing, ensuring high precision and enhanced structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector uses traditional inflexible engagement with tapered hexagonal mating, then structural strength is provided, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to wear and tear of processing knives
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is divided into multiple discrete engagement points (at least two) distributed along the engagement surface, rather than relying on a single tapered hexagonal interface. This segmentation allows each point to bear load independently while maintaining precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical tapered hexagonal engagement system is replaced with a new engagement mechanism featuring multiple discrete engagement points with buckling portions. This substitution eliminates the need for high-precision tapered mating surfaces that are susceptible to processing knife wear, while still providing robust structural strength through distributed load bearing.
2Length of moving object
If the connector total length is reduced to meet 5G network cabinet requirements, then space utilization is improved, but assembly precision deteriorates due to forced assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure incorporates dynamic elements including buckling portions that can deform elastically during assembly. This dynamic characteristic allows the connector components to self-adjust and mate precisely even in the compact 30-35mm total length configuration, preventing forced assembly while maintaining assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design changes the engagement parameters by distributing multiple engagement points along the engagement surface rather than using a single point contact. This parameter change enables precise assembly in the reduced total length by allowing incremental positioning and self-alignment during the assembly process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector uses traditional engagement structure, then assembly is simplified, but reliability deteriorates as engaging points and grooves are damaged during forced assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The buckling portions are designed with inherent elastic deformation capability that acts as a cushion during assembly. This beforehand cushioning absorbs assembly misalignments and prevents damage to the engaging points and grooves, maintaining reliability while keeping the assembly process simple and tool-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure incorporates flexible buckling portions that can elastically deform during assembly. This flexibility allows the components to accommodate minor misalignments without damage, preventing the forced assembly that would otherwise damage rigid engagement points and grooves.
4Ease of manufacture
If the optical-fiber cable jacket is torn during assembly, then the cable can be fixed to the connector, but protection of optical-fiber lines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable fixation function is extracted from the jacket-tearing process and implemented through the buckling portions that engage with corresponding features on the cable assembly. This extraction allows the cable to be securely fixed to the connector without compromising the protective jacket, eliminating the harmful effect of jacket damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckling portions serve as an intermediary mechanism between the connector and the optical-fiber cable. Instead of directly tearing the jacket for fixation, the buckling portions provide an intermediate engagement interface that secures the cable while preserving the integrity of the protective jacket and optical-fiber lines.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optical connector (100) includes a connector housing (1) and an optical-fiber component (2). The connector housing (1) includes a receiving space (10). One end of the connector housing (1) forms a connector opening (11) communicating with the receiving space (10). Two side walls of the connector housing (1) include buckling portions (13) adjacent to the connector opening (11). The optical-fiber component (2) is positioned in the receiving space (10). The optical-fiber component (2) includes a sleeve piece (21), and a length of the sleeve piece (21) is in a range between 6.25 mm and 10.25 mm. The sleeve piece (21) includes a block member (211) assembled in the connector opening (11). A total length (L2) of the fiber optical connector (100) is in a range between 30 mm and 35 mm. Two sides of the block member (211) respectively form an engaging portion (23), and each of the engaging portions (23) is engaged with the corresponding buckling portion (13).