Dual Interlocking Shutter System for Fiber Optic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connector and adapter shutter systems often allow dust and debris to be swept into the connection area, contaminating the fiber optic connectors during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A shutter system for fiber optic connectors and adapters where the fiber optic connector shutter and adapter shutter rotate in unison, trapping dust and debris between them, preventing contamination during insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter is added to protect the fiber optic connector from dust and debris, then protection against contamination is improved, but the shutter may swing inward and allow dust to be swept into the connection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector shutter and adapter shutter into a coordinated dual-shutter system that operates together. The connector shutter and adapter shutter are linked through engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that ensure they move in unison, creating a unified protection system that prevents dust ingress while maintaining connection cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features (protrusions and recesses) act as intermediaries that coordinate the movement between the connector shutter and adapter shutter. These features ensure that both shutters move together as a synchronized pair, preventing one shutter from swinging inward independently and sweeping dust into the connection area.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter system is implemented to protect against dust, then contamination protection is improved, but the system complexity increases with multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is segmented into two independent but coordinated components: the connector shutter attached to the fiber optic connector and the adapter shutter attached to the adapter. This segmentation allows each shutter to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective protection through their coordinated operation.
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
Effectively prevents dust and debris from entering the fiber optic connector and adapter connection area, ensuring a clean and reliable connection.
Implementation Method 1
the fiber optic connector shutter and adapter shutter rotate about the same axis as the fiber optic connector is inserted into the adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector has a fiber optic connector shutter that rotates about a first axis and an adapter for the fiber optic connector also has an adapter shutter that rotates about a second axis in the adapter. When the fiber optic connector and the adapter are mated to one another, the axes for the fiber optic connector shutter and the adapter shutter are aligned and the fiber optic connector shutter and the adapter shutter rotate about a single axis. The fiber optic connector shutter and the adapter shutter include structure to maintain engagement during the mating and un-mating of the fiber optic connector and the adapter.