Optical Fiber Connector Cleaning Apparatus with Automatic Tape Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cleaning optical fiber connectors are inefficient and difficult to use, as they require manual alignment and repeated wiping, leading to increased difficulty and reduced cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a simple structure that includes a case, tape collecting and releasing gears, an operating portion with a push rod, elastomer, and sliding plate, allowing for automatic wiping and cleaning by pushing the push rod, which exposes and drives the cleaning tape to move through the gears for effective contact with the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment and repeated wiping are used to clean optical fiber connector, then cleaning can be performed, but cleaning difficulty increases and cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service cleaning where the cleaning tape automatically contacts and cleans the optical fiber connector surface without requiring manual alignment or repeated wiping operations. The pushing member activates the cleaning mechanism automatically when the connector is inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical wiping system with an automated cleaning system where a cleaning tape driven by a driving member performs the cleaning function. This substitution eliminates the need for manual alignment and repeated wiping actions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning pen or cleaning box is used, then cleaning function is provided, but device structure becomes complex and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning tape, driving member, pushing member, and housing into a single integrated compact device. This combination eliminates the need for separate cleaning components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into functional modules: a housing containing the cleaning tape and driving mechanism, a pushing member for activation, and a connector insertion interface. This segmentation allows for compact design while keeping each component simple and manageable.
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 apparatus achieves automatic and efficient cleaning of optical fiber connectors with a small volume design, making the process convenient and easy to operate, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and reducing manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer abuts between the stop block and the push rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber connector, which includes a case, a tape collecting gear, a tape releasing gear, an operating portion, and a cleaning socket disposed on the case. The tape collecting gear and the tape releasing gear are rotatably accommodated in the case in sequence. The cleaning socket is located at a position between the tape collecting gear and the tape releasing gear. The operating portion includes a push rod, and an elastomer, a stop block, a sliding plate, and a toggling member that are installed in the case. In the case, one end of the sliding plate is connected to the push rod in the case and the other end shields the cleaning socket, the elastomer abuts between the stop block and the push rod.