Optical Connector Cleaner With Slip-Controlled Media Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connector cleaning tools with fixed angle feed mechanisms result in varying cleaning medium lengths due to increased winding diameters with use, limiting cleaning efficiency and requiring complex structures with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector cleaning tool with a simplified feed mechanism using a turn-back portion at one point and a winding mechanism that slips to control the cleaning medium length, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed angle feed winding mechanism is used, then the winding-side bobbin rotates by a fixed angle to wind the cleaning medium, but the winding diameter increases with use causing the wound cleaning medium length to increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the winding mechanism slip when a predetermined load is reached. The driving piece is elastically supported and configured to slip with respect to the rotation body when the load to press the engaging projections reaches a predetermined load, allowing the system to adapt dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed rotation angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the winding mechanism from fixed angle rotation to slip-based controlled winding. The driving piece transitions from rigid engagement to elastic engagement with slip capability, changing the operational parameter from constant rotation angle to load-dependent rotation with predetermined load threshold.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed length feed mechanism with multiple components is used, then the cleaning medium length can be controlled, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feed mechanism and winding mechanism into a single integrated system. The driving piece serves dual functions: it drives the winding-side bobbin during normal operation and simultaneously acts as a slip mechanism to control the cleaning medium length, eliminating the need for separate friction members or complex multi-component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving piece is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the drive element for the winding mechanism and as the slip mechanism for controlling cleaning medium length. This universal component performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated components.
3Productivity
If the winding-side bobbin rotates continuously to wind the cleaning medium, then the cleaning medium is wound around the bobbin, but the resistance increases when drawing out the cleaning medium from the feed-side bobbin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the driving piece to slip and disengage from the rotation body when the predetermined load is reached. Instead of continuous full engagement, the system performs partial rotation followed by slip, preventing excessive winding and reducing the resistance force required to draw out the cleaning medium.
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 tool achieves fixed length feed with reduced resistance and a simpler structure, ensuring consistent cleaning medium length and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the driving piece is configured to press the engaging projections along with movement of the moving body, and when a load to press the engaging projections has reached a predetermined load, slip with respect to the rotation body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4A
AI summary
An optical connector cleaning tool includes a cleaning tool main body (3), a feed-side bobbin (13), a cleaning head (cleaning portion), a winding-side bobbin (14), a moving body (5) that moves at the time of cleaning, a feed mechanism (2) that sends an unused cleaning medium (6) in synchronism with the moving body (5), and a winding mechanism (21) that drives the winding-side bobbin (14). The feed mechanism (2) moves a turn-back portion at one point where the cleaning medium is turned back in a direction to separate from the winding-side bobbin (14). The winding mechanism (21) includes a driving piece (28) that engages with a rotation body (25) of the winding-side bobbin (14). The driving piece (2) slips with respect to the rotation body (25) when a load to press engaging projections (26) of the rotation body (25) has reached a predetermined load. The predetermined load is a load higher than a load generated when winding the cleaning medium (6) drawn out by the feed mechanism (2), and a load lower than a load generated when the winding-side bobbin (14) rotates to draw the cleaning medium (6) out of the feed-side bobbin (13). It is possible to provide an optical connector cleaning tool that can wind a cleaning medium of a predetermined length with a simple structure and also reduces the resistance when drawing out the cleaning medium of the predetermined length.