Connector Adapter With Removable Clipping Lugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors face challenges in maintaining a high density of optical contacts and facilitating the cleaning of alignment sleeves, as the traditional screw-based fixing method leads to space inefficiency and risks of pollution during reassembly.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with removable clipping lugs allows for easy assembly and disassembly, providing visual access and cleaning capabilities without the need for screws, thereby increasing contact density and preventing pollution during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw-based fixing method is used to attach the adapter to the insert, then the adapter can be removed for cleaning and maintenance, but the density of optical contacts decreases due to the space required for screws and their housings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the screw and housing elements from the connector structure, replacing them with a friction-fit adapter that directly engages with the insert. This removal of extraneous components eliminates the space consumption associated with screw threads and housing structures, thereby increasing contact density while preserving the removable adapter capability for cleaning access
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a friction-fit mechanical system. The adapter incorporates an insertion portion with an external shape that frictionally engages with a receiving portion in the insert, eliminating the need for screws and their housings. This substitution maintains the removable capability for maintenance while optimizing space utilization to increase contact density
2Ease of operation
If optical contact elements are mounted with axial float inside cavities of the insert, then cleaning of optical faces is facilitated, but disassembly of the contact itself is required to clean the alignment sleeve, creating risk of pollution during reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connector into distinct functional components: the insert with cavities, the adapter with alignment sleeves, and the optical contact elements. This segmentation allows the adapter to be independently removed from the insert, providing access to alignment sleeves for cleaning without requiring disassembly of the optical contact elements themselves. The ferrules protrude from the insert through the alignment sleeves, enabling optical face cleaning while the alignment sleeves remain in place, thus eliminating pollution risk during reassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the insert and the optical contact elements. It houses the alignment sleeves and provides a removable interface that facilitates maintenance access. By removing the adapter rather than disassembling the optical contacts, the alignment sleeves can be cleaned while maintaining their position and alignment, preventing pollution risks associated with reassembly of delicate optical components
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~4
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adapter (3) for a connector (1), particularly for a multi-contact connector, of the type comprising at least one insert (2) and a housing (6) containing the insert (2). According to the invention, the adapter (3) comprises at least one removable fastening means inside the housing (6) of a connector, in its configuration with its front face (30) resting against the front face (20) of the insert (2).