Fiber Optic Connector Assembly Without an Outer Clamp Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optical connectors require an outer clamp shell for secure assembly, which can be cumbersome and may not adequately protect the connector from environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optical connector design that utilizes a one-piece inner housing and an outer housing, secured by a crimp sleeve, eliminating the need for an outer clamp shell, and featuring a connector sub-assembly with a ferrule basket and a crimp sleeve for secure attachment to the optical fiber cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an outer clamp shell is used to secure the connector assembly, then the connector can be easily assembled, but the device complexity increases and environmental protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the outer clamp shell from the connector assembly, extracting the problematic component that added complexity while insufficiently protecting the connector. The inner housing is designed to function independently without requiring the outer clamp shell, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining assembly ease through the remaining components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a crimp sleeve that provides secure attachment in a single-use, non-reconfigurable manner. This disposable-style component achieves reliable connection without the complexity of reusable clamp shells, accepting that the connection is permanent but sufficiently robust for its intended lifecycle.
2Strength
If an outer clamp shell is used to secure the connector assembly, then structural support is provided, but the connector is not adequately protected from environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction in the inner housing, combining materials with different properties to achieve both structural strength and environmental resistance. The housing integrates materials that provide mechanical support while simultaneously resisting corrosion, moisture, and other environmental factors, eliminating the need for separate protective clamping structures.
3Device complexity
If a one-piece inner housing is used without an outer clamp shell, then device complexity is reduced, but assembly security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into distinct functional components: the one-piece inner housing, the crimp sleeve, and the ferrule basket. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The crimp sleeve provides secure attachment to the cable, the inner housing provides structural support and alignment, and the ferrule basket holds the ferrule, collectively achieving reliable assembly security without complex integrated structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector for terminating a fiber optic cable includes an inner housing, an outer housing, a connector sub-assembly, and a crimp sleeve. The outer housing is disposed radially outward of the inner housing, and the connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule basket configured to receive a ferrule that terminates a fiber of the fiber optic cable. The crimp sleeve surrounds and is crimped onto a rearward portion of the connector sub-assembly and an end portion of the fiber optic cable. The inner housing is configured to be securely disposed about the crimp sleeve, and the outer housing is configured to be secured disposed about the inner housing.