Dustproof Light-Blocking Adapter With Arcuate Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SC type LC optical fiber adapters lack a built-in light-blocking mechanism, making them prone to dust contamination and eye irritation from emitted light, and their height is not suitable for high-density optical fiber distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact dust-proof and shading adapter with arcuate guide rails and a sliding baffle mechanism that blocks light and dust, while maintaining a height compliant with industry standards, and includes a semi-transparent baffle with connection identification markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sliding dust-proof and shading component is added inside the housing to block light and dust, then the adapter achieves dust-proof and shading function, but the adapter height increases making it unsuitable for high-density optical fiber distribution systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sliding baffle component that can dynamically move between a first position (blocking light and dust) and a second position (allowing light passage). This dynamic mechanism enables the adapter to provide dust-proof and shading functions when needed while maintaining a compact height profile for high-density deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fifth dimension (depth/thickness direction) by positioning the baffle component to slide along the optical axis rather than extending laterally. This dimensional approach allows the shading function to be achieved without increasing the adapter's height in the vertical dimension, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and compact size.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dust caps are used to block light from uncovered connectors, then light blocking function is achieved, but the dust caps can be easily lost or contaminated during frequent removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dust-proof and shading functions into a single integrated baffle component that is permanently mounted within the adapter housing. This eliminates the need for separate dust caps that can be lost or contaminated, as the baffle remains fixed in place and provides continuous protection when in the blocking position.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle component is designed to automatically return to its first position (blocking light and dust) after being displaced by connector insertion. This self-returning mechanism ensures continuous dust-proof and shading protection without requiring manual intervention or risking loss of separate dust cap components.
3Loss of information
If the baffle is made of semi-transparent material with connection identification markings, then visual indication of connection status is provided, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of semi-transparent material to provide connection status indication. The baffle's semi-transparent characteristics allow light to pass through when connected, while the connection identification markings (such as patterns or structures) become visible or invisible based on the connection state, providing visual feedback without requiring complex electronic indicators.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dust-proof and shading adapter, comprising a frame (1) and shading components (2), an interior of a front end of the frame (1) is formed with horizontally arranged chambers having upward openings, an front end of each chamber is provided with a port for mating engagement with a connecting piece (7), each chamber is equipped with one of the shading components (2) that comprises a hook piece (21) and a baffle (22), wherein, the side walls of the chamber are provided with guide rails (11) that restrict the vertical sliding movement of the baffle (22), wherein, the guide rails (11) are arcuate and are curved outward towards the opening of the chamber, the bottom of the guide rails (11) align with the bottom of the port, the upper end of the hook piece (21) is hinged to the middle of the upper surface of the chamber, while the lower end of the hook piece (21) is interlocked with the baffle (22) through hinged engagement, wherein a reciprocating rotational movement of the hook piece (21) drives the baffle (22) to slide up and down, enabling the baffle (22) to cover or uncover the port. By utilizing arcuate guide rails that protrude in the direction of the opening of the chamber, with the bottom of the guide rails (11) aligned with the bottom of the port, and the upper end of the hook (21) hinged to the middle of the upper surface of the chamber, it makes the adapter more compact and precise, and saves space.