Optical Fiber Connector Cam Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connectors are complex to assemble and difficult to rework, especially in field installations where precision equipment and skilled craftsmen are not available, and existing clamping assemblies are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber connector with a simplified clamping assembly featuring a cam member with a U-shaped groove that generates a clamping force to securely hold a terminating fiber, allowing easy installation and removal without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional small form factor optical fiber connector uses multiple separated components (protective dust cap, connector housing, ferrule-barrel assembly, coil spring, insert, crimping member, clip member, protective boot), then the connector can be assembled in the factory with controlled settings, but the assembly process becomes complex and difficult to perform in field installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separated components into an integrated connector design where the housing, ferrule, and clamping mechanism are merged into a single unit. This reduces the number of parts from 9+ separate components to a unified structure that can be installed in the field without complex assembly procedures while maintaining factory assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, houses the ferrule for optical alignment, incorporates the clamping mechanism for fiber retention, and includes the resilient member for positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies both factory and field assembly processes.
2Reliability
If the clamping assembly uses a complex structure with multiple cam members and platforms, then the terminating fiber can be securely retained, but the assembly becomes difficult to rework and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential clamping function from the complex multi-component cam mechanism and implements it through a simpler groove-based clamping structure. The groove in the resilient member directly engages the terminating fiber, providing secure retention without requiring multiple cam members or specialized actuating mechanisms, thereby enabling easy rework with standard tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active cam mechanism that requires actuation to engage and disengage the fiber, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive groove structure where the fiber naturally engages during insertion and can be easily released by reversing the insertion motion. This simplifies the rework process and eliminates the need for specialized tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision equipment and skilled craftsmen are available in the factory for cleaving, terminating, and polishing the optical fiber, then the ferrule can be prepared to exacting tolerances, but such facilities are not available in field installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-terminating and pre-polishing the fiber in the ferrule at the factory where precision equipment and skilled craftsmen are available. The ferrule is prepared to exacting tolerances in advance, and the connector is designed to accept this pre-prepared ferrule, eliminating the need for field polishing equipment while maintaining high precision standards.
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 optical fiber connector facilitates easy reworking of the terminating fiber by allowing manual removal and features a straightforward, simple structure for field installations, improving usability and reducing assembly complexity compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a cam effect between the first and second cam members 140, 150 is generated and further a clamping action between the platform 130 and the first cam members 140 is generated so as to receive and retain the terminating fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a connector housing, a ferrule and a clamping assembly. The connector hosing has a front end and a rear end. The ferrule is disposed in the connector housing and projects from the front end of the connector housing. The clamping assembly is disposed in the connector housing for mounting the ferrule, and includes a hollow housing and a cam member, wherein the cam member includes a groove adapted to clamp a terminating fiber when a cam effect between the hollow housing and the cam member is generated and further the cam effect causes the groove of the cam member to generate a clamping force.