Optical Fiber Connector Assembly With Integrated Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connector assemblies lack sufficient mechanical strength and are prone to cable bending near the ferrule, which compromises the integrity of the connection.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber connector assembly features a ferrule holder, a connector, and a locking member, where each element is directly mechanically coupled to the others, enhancing tensile and torsion strength and preventing cable bending by eliminating intermediate couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If intermediate mechanical couplings are used between connector components, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the mechanical strength and reliability of the assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector body and locking mechanism into a single integrated component. The locking member is formed as one piece with the connector body, eliminating the need for separate locking components and intermediate couplings. This integration directly improves mechanical strength by reducing the number of potential failure points while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule holder is nested within the connector body, and the cable is nested within the ferrule holder. This nested arrangement allows direct mechanical coupling between the cable and the connector body through the ferrule holder, eliminating intermediate couplings and improving the overall mechanical strength of the assembly.
2Reliability
If intermediate mechanical couplings are used between connector components, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is merged with the connector body as a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate locking parts and intermediate couplings, improving reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points. The integrated design maintains ease of manufacture through single-piece molding or forming processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mechanical couplings are used, then the ease of assembly is improved, but cable bending near the ferrule occurs compromising connection integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule holder is nested within the connector body, creating a protected environment for the ferrule. This nested structure prevents cable bending near the ferrule by providing structural support and maintaining proper cable routing, thereby improving connection integrity while keeping the assembly process straightforward.
4Volume of moving object
If direct mechanical coupling between all elements is implemented, then the mechanical strength and compactness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body and locking mechanism are merged into a single integrated component, achieving direct mechanical coupling between all elements. This integration improves compactness by eliminating gaps and intermediate components while maintaining simple device architecture through the unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fiber connector assembly for a fiber optic cable comprising an optical fiber having an end portion terminated with a ferrule and rod members (4). The optical fiber connector assembly comprises: a ferrule holder (110) configured to hold the end portion of the optical fiber (10), the ferrule (30) and the rod members (4); a connector (190) having an internal passageway for housing the ferrule holder (110); a locking member (180) extending lengthwise and having an internal passageway for the end portion of the fiber optic cable (1). There is also disclosed a pre-connectorized fiber optic cable comprising a fiber optic cable and the optical fiber connector assembly mounted upon an end portion of the fiber optic cable.