Optical Connector Cleaning Head With Pre-Retrieval Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools for optical connectors are prone to entangling the cleaning body due to loose movement and rotation, which can hinder effective cleaning and increase coupling loss.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool design incorporating a retrieve mechanism to manage the cleaning body's movement and rotation, ensuring it is securely wound before the head unit rotates, using a rack-and-pinion mechanism and a rotation mechanism to prevent entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the head unit is pressed backward against the cleaning target, then the cleaning body is effectively applied to the cleaning target, but the cleaning body may loosen and get entangled inside the cleaning tool
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieve mechanism is activated before the head unit rotates to wind up the cleaning body. This preliminary action ensures the cleaning body is securely collected before any rotation occurs, preventing entanglement while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically sequences operations: first pressing the head backward for cleaning, then retrieving the cleaning body, and finally rotating the head unit. This dynamic sequencing ensures the cleaning body remains controlled throughout the process, eliminating entanglement risks
2Productivity
If the head unit rotates during cleaning, then the cleaning body can effectively clean the surface, but the loose cleaning body may get entangled inside the cleaning tool
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning body is retrieved and wound up before the head unit rotates. This preliminary retrieval action ensures the cleaning body is secured in place before rotation begins, allowing efficient cleaning without entanglement
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieve mechanism performs a counter-action by winding up the cleaning body before rotation occurs. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of entanglement before it can happen during the productive rotation phase
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning body is allowed to move freely during pressing, then the cleaning tool is simple to operate, but the cleaning body may loosen and get entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieve mechanism automatically winds up the cleaning body through the relative movement between the tool main body and insertion part, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while preventing entanglement
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the dynamic relative movement between components to automatically retrieve the cleaning body during normal operation. This dynamic approach maintains simplicity while eliminating entanglement risks through automatic control
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
Prevents the cleaning body from getting entangled, ensuring efficient and effective cleaning of optical connectors by maintaining the cleaning body's integrity during the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
A cleaning tool design incorporating a retrieve mechanism to manage the cleaning body's movement and rotation, ensuring it is securely wound before the head unit rotates, using a rack-and-pinion mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the head unit after the retrieve mechanism retrieves the cleaning body using the relative movement in the predetermined direction between tool main body and the insertion part
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning tool includes: a tool main body; an insertion part that moves in a predetermined direction relative to the tool main body, and is configured to hold a head unit movable backward and configured to press a cleaning body against a cleaning target; a retrieve mechanism that retrieves the cleaning body using a relative movement in the predetermined direction between the tool main body and the insertion part; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the head unit after the retrieve mechanism retrieves the cleaning body using the relative movement in the predetermined direction between the tool main body and the insertion part.