Composite Guide Pin Structure for Wear-Resistant Fiber Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-core optical fiber connectors face issues with guide pins made of stainless steel, which are prone to bending, have poor corrosion and wear resistance, and are difficult to process, affecting docking precision and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A guide pin with a base support layer and a protective layer, featuring a rod-shaped structure, grooves for stability, and a cone frustum or arc chamfered insertion end for reduced wear, made from materials like ceramic, metal, or LCP, processed through methods like injection molding and plating, to enhance rigidity and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the guide pin groove diameter is reduced to less than 0.3 mm, then the guide pin structure is more compact, but the mechanical strength decreases and the tail is easily bent
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin uses a composite structure with a stainless steel base material providing mechanical strength and a ceramic coating layer providing wear resistance. This allows the groove to maintain sufficient structural integrity even at reduced dimensions while achieving enhanced surface properties for durability.
2Strength
If the guide pin is made of stainless steel, then the mechanical strength is sufficient, but the corrosion resistance and wear resistance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin employs a composite material system where the stainless steel substrate provides mechanical strength and the ceramic coating (such as oxide, nitride, or carbide layers) provides enhanced corrosion and wear resistance. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of both strength and reliability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the guide pin are modified by changing the material parameters through coating application. The ceramic coating layer alters the surface chemistry and physics to provide superior corrosion and wear resistance while the bulk stainless steel maintains its mechanical strength properties.
3Strength
If the guide pin is made of stainless steel, then the toughness is high, but the processing viscosity increases and processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: first forming the stainless steel substrate through conventional processing, then applying the ceramic coating separately through CVD or PVD processes. This segmentation allows each material to be processed in its optimal manner, reducing overall processing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite materials with a stainless steel base and ceramic coating, the invention separates the structural function (provided by the easy-to-process stainless steel) from the functional surface properties (provided by the ceramic layer), allowing optimal processing of each component.
4Device complexity
If the guide pin has an annular groove, then the structure is simple, but the guide pin can be easily rotated under external force and the forced alignment effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin groove is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape rather than a symmetric annular form. This asymmetric geometry creates directional engagement with the guide hole, preventing rotation under external forces while maintaining relatively simple overall structure. The asymmetric profile ensures proper alignment and eliminates the rotational freedom present in annular grooves.
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 guide pin is resistant to bending, corrosion, and wear, easier to process, and offers improved precision and longevity, with reduced wear during connector docking, and lower production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the guide pin made from stainless steel has poor corrosion resistance and wear resistance
Implementation Method 2
the guide pin made from stainless steel has poor corrosion resistance and wear resistance
Implementation Method 3
the joint of the insertion end and the rod-shaped main body is provided with an arc chamfer. One end of the guide pin has an arc structure, therefore, when an MPO connector is being docked, wear at the guide hole of the guide pin can be reduced
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a guide pin, which comprises a base support layer (1) and a protective layer (2). The base support layer (1) is a rod-shaped structure. The protective layer (2) tightly wraps the surface of the base support layer (1). A manufacturing method for the guide pin made of various materials is also disclosed. The guide pin manufactured by the method of the present invention is not prone to bending or deformation and has good corrosion resistance and acid/alkaline resistance properties; it is wear resistant and has of extended service life; it is easy to be processed and is low in cost.