Compact Optical Fiber Connector With 2.5 mm Lateral Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber connectors have limitations in installation density due to their large lateral dimensions, which hinder the increased demand for higher density connections in optical fiber networks without compromising structural strength.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber connector design featuring a ceramic ferrule, spring, and boot arrangement within a compact casing, along with an assembly method that includes a guiding block, elastic arms, and anti-spin inserts, reduces the lateral width to 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, enhancing installation density while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the lateral dimension of the optical fiber connector is reduced to increase installation density, then the installation density is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested structure where the ceramic ferrule is positioned within the connector body, and the spring is nested within the connector housing. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall lateral dimension while maintaining structural integrity and strength through proper structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a spring mechanism that acts as a flexible element within the connector structure. This flexible component provides mechanical strength and structural support while occupying minimal space, enabling the connector to maintain adequate strength in a reduced lateral dimension configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If the connector dimensions are reduced, then the installation density increases, but the device complexity may increase due to compact arrangement of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The connector body simultaneously serves as the housing structure, the mounting platform for the ceramic ferrule, and the guide for the spring mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure despite the compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed as a multi-functional component that provides structural support, guides the ferrule positioning, houses the spring mechanism, and interfaces with the optical fiber. This universal design approach allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing device complexity while achieving high installation density.
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 significantly reduces the overall dimensions of the optical fiber connector, allowing for increased installation density without compromising structural strength, thereby addressing the need for higher density connections in optical fiber networks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (4) compressed between a stop block (501) formed by the inner wall of the connector casing and the ceramic ferrule tailstock (3)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an optical fiber connector an assembly method therefor. The connector is used for matching with an optical fiber adapter, and comprises a connector casing, a ceramic ferrule (2), a spring (4) and a boot (8), wherein the connector casing has a lateral width of 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, is formed by inserting and locking a front casing (1) and a rear casing (5) and forms a cavity; the tail of the connector casing is connected to the boot (8), the external front end of the connector casing contains a guiding block (101) and a combined elastic arm successively in the rearward direction, and a retaining convex block (104) is arranged on the combined elastic arm; the tail end of the ceramic ferrule (2) is fixed to a tailstock (3) of the ceramic ferrule and penetrates through a through hole at the front end of the connector casing; and the spring is compressed between the tailstock (3) of the ceramic ferrule and a stop block (501) formed by the inner walls of the connector casing. The connector greatly reduces the overall dimensions of the connector, and increase the installation density of the connector.