Optical Fiber Connector with Bayonet Closing and Segmented Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connector devices are complex in construction and manufacture, requiring numerous components and complicated assembly and disassembly processes, with no option for partial replacement of failed parts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fiber optic connector device design using only three essential parts: two semi-cylindrical shells and a closing part with a bayonet connection arrangement, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring a sealing plug with an O-ring seal for interface sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard male plug is retained between two semi-cylindrical shells held together by a crimped band in a cylindrical casing with heat-shrinkable tube and sleeve, then the connector device provides secure retention and sealing, but the construction becomes complex with many component parts and complicated manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is divided into three essential parts: two semi-cylindrical shells and a closing part. The semi-cylindrical shells can be positioned relative to each other and interlocked in the closing part, allowing for simple assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure retention of the male plug
Solution Approach 2:
The closing part integrates multiple functions: it holds the two semi-cylindrical shells, provides a bayonet connection arrangement for coupling with female plug ports, and includes a sealing plug with O-ring seal for sealing the interface. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of components
2Reliability
If a connector device with many component parts is used, then secure retention and sealing are achieved, but assembly and disassembly processes become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The closing part incorporates a bayonet connection arrangement that enables dynamic coupling and decoupling through a single rotational maneuver. This allows for rapid assembly and disassembly of the connector device with corresponding female plug ports, significantly reducing the time required for connection and disconnection operations
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into removable parts (two semi-cylindrical shells and a closing part) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The male plug can be accessed by removing the shells from the closing part, enabling quick maintenance and replacement without complicated disassembly procedures
3Strength
If a connector device with fixed construction is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but partial replacement of failed parts is not possible requiring entire device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is designed as a segmented system with a closing part and two semi-cylindrical shells that can be separately removed and reassembled. This allows the male plug to be accessed and replaced independently while retaining the housing and other components, enabling partial replacement of failed parts and improving ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The removable nature of the semi-cylindrical shells and closing part creates a dynamic structure that can be opened and closed. This dynamic design allows maintenance personnel to access the male plug for replacement without replacing the entire device, while the reassembled structure maintains its structural integrity for continued use
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 simplified design facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, reduces manufacturing complexity, and enables partial replacement of components, improving reliability and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
this seal being in abutment against an annular rib of said part of closing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector device comprising a male plug (1) and intended to cooperate with a corresponding arrangement carried by a port (6) of a corresponding female plug. This male plug, to which an optical cable (2) is connected, is held between two semi-cylindrical shells (3, 4) held within a cylindrical casing, the inner diameter of which is substantially equal, with a mutual sliding tolerance, to the outer diameter of the two assembled shells (3, 4). According to the invention, said cylindrical casing is a closing piece (5) for the rear of the connector device, comprising a removable connecting arrangement intended to cooperate with said corresponding arrangement carried by the port (6) of the corresponding female plug.