Optical Fiber Adapter Elastic Seal for Dust Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Optical fiber connectors are prone to dust contamination due to the narrow gap between the connector and the adapter's inner walls, which can compromise the ferrule's integrity.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber adapter design featuring a housing with a hook member and an elastic body, where the elastic body contacts the inner walls of the connector, preventing dust from entering the ferrule by sealing the gap when the connector is inserted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connector is inserted into the adapter, then the optical connection is established, but dust can enter through the narrow gap and contaminate the ferrule

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddust contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic sealing ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the connector and adapter. The sealing ring contacts both the outer housing of the connector and the inner wall of the adapter, creating a dust-proof seal that blocks the narrow gap through which dust would otherwise enter the ferrule

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing ring is made of elastic material that can deform to adapt to the narrow gap between the connector and adapter. This flexible sealing structure effectively closes the gap to prevent dust entry while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Device complexity

If the adapter structure is simplified without additional components, then the device complexity is reduced, but dust prevention capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter structure complexityVSAvoiddust contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring is a simple elastic component that can be easily integrated into the existing adapter structure. It provides effective dust sealing through its flexibility and ability to conform to the narrow gap, adding minimal structural complexity while significantly improving dust prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 external dust from contaminating the ferrule, ensuring the optical connection remains clean and functional.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body positioned on and around the hollow cylinder... the elastic body will be in contact with inner walls of the inner housing of the optical fiber connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8845207B2Optical fiber connector and adapter capable of preventing dust

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 PROTAI PHOTONIC

AI summary

An optical fiber adapter includes a housing, a hook member and an elastic body. The housing has an axial cavity defined by a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall. The hook member is positioned in the axial cavity which comprises a flange, a hollow cylinder and a pair of hooks. The hollow cylinder and hooks extends from one end of the flange and the hollow cylinder is positioned between the hooks. The elastic body is positioned on and around the hollow cylinder. When the optical fiber connector is inserted into the axial cavity of the optical fiber adapter, the ferrule will be inserted into the hollow cylinder and the elastic body will be in contact with inner walls of the inner housing of the optical fiber connector.