Optical Fiber Connector Cleaning Device with Automatic Tape Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cleaning optical fiber connectors are inefficient and difficult to use, as they require manual alignment and repeated wiping, which complicates the cleaning process and decreases efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a simple structure featuring a case, tape collecting and releasing gears, an operating portion with a push rod, elastomer, and cleaning socket, allowing for automatic wiping and cleaning by rotating the gears and pushing the push rod, facilitating easy operation and efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment and repeated wiping is used to clean optical fiber connector, then cleaning can be performed, but cleaning difficulty increases and cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables self-service cleaning by allowing the connector to be cleaned in its original position without manual alignment. The cleaning tape automatically contacts the connector end face when the door is opened, eliminating the need for operator skill in alignment and repeated wiping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical wiping process with an automated mechanism. The cleaning tape is fed through a guide plate and automatically positions itself against the connector, substituting the complex manual alignment and wiping motion with a simple door-opening action that triggers the cleaning process.
2Ease of manufacture
If cleaning tool is moved repeatedly for cleaning, then cleaning action is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into functional modules: a cleaning tape roll, a guide plate for positioning, a door mechanism for operation, and a case for containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tape is pre-positioned on the guide plate and the connector is pre-placed in the receptacle before the cleaning action is initiated. When the door is opened, the cleaning process automatically begins without requiring the operator to perform alignment or positioning actions during the cleaning process itself.
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 apparatus achieves automatic wiping and cleaning of optical fiber connectors with a simple structure and small volume, enhancing cleaning efficiency and convenience by allowing the cleaning socket to be opened and closed with a push rod, ensuring effective cleaning with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer, a stop block, a sliding plate, and a toggling member that are installed in the case; the push rod extends into the case from the outside of the case; and in the case, one end of the sliding plate is connected to the push rod and the other end shields the cleaning socket, the elastomer abuts between the stop block and the push rod
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber connector, which includes a case, a tape collecting gear, a tape releasing gear, an operating portion, and a cleaning socket disposed on the case, where the tape collecting gear and the tape releasing gear are rotatably accommodated in the case in sequence; the cleaning socket is located at a position between the tape collecting gear and the tape releasing gear; the operating portion includes a push rod, and an elastomer, a stop block, a sliding plate, and a toggling member that are installed in the case; and in the case, one end of the sliding plate is connected to the push rod in the case and the other end shields the cleaning socket, the elastomer abuts between the stop block and the push rod, the toggling member is disposed at one side of the sliding plate and disposed opposite to gear teeth of the tape collecting gear, the cleaning tape and the cleaning socket are located at two opposite sides of the sliding plate, the sliding plate is pushed by the push rod to slide in the case, and after the cleaning socket is exposed, and the sliding plate continues to be pushed to enable the toggling member to push against the gear teeth of the tape collecting gear.