Fiber Optic Connector Compression Retention for Kevlar Cable Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connectors face issues with weak connections, especially when attached to Kevlar-strengthened cables like Miniflex, and require specialized tools for crimping, leading to potential errors and unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connector design that secures to a fiber optic cable via compression, using a body and cap with inwardly protruding ridges to grip the cable jacket, and a crimp sleeve to enhance connection strength, eliminating the need for crimping tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector is designed to be completely enclosed to protect internal components, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to requiring multiple separate housing pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second housing pieces into a single integrated housing structure that is open at the top. This combining approach maintains the protective enclosure for internal components while eliminating the need for multiple separate housing pieces, thus improving reliability without increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If cable management features are added to organize cables, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management features are merged directly into the housing structure itself. The housing includes integrated cable guides and retention features that are formed as part of the single housing piece, providing effective cable organization without requiring separate cable management components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides self-service cable management through its integrated guides and retention features. The cables are automatically guided and retained by the housing structure during insertion and operation, eliminating the need for separate cable management devices or complex assembly steps.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A connector includes a body and a cap configured to be threadedly coupled with the body. The body is configured to receive a fiber optic cable therein and to be coupled with a sub-assembly of a fiber optic connector, an inner surface of the body includes an annularly- extending ridge that protrudes radially inward, and the body is configured to be radially compressed on a jacket of the fiber optic cable when the cap is threadedly coupled with the body.