Fiber Optic Connector Crimp Body With Integrated Fiber Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors often damage optical fibers during assembly and are difficult to repair or rework, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in data center installations.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a crimp body with two-part construction and integrated guide members that prevent optical fibers from being clamped between mating surfaces, along with a redesigned housing assembly that allows for easier rework by increasing the accessible fiber length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fiber optic connector assembly methods are used, then the connector can be assembled to the cable end, but the optical fibers are damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide members as intermediary elements between the optical fibers and the mating surfaces. These guide members physically separate the fibers from the mating surfaces, preventing direct contact and clamping while still allowing the connector assembly to function properly. The guide members act as a mediator that enables assembly without transmitting harmful forces to the fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimp body is divided into multiple segments including the first crimp body portion, second crimp body portion, and integrated guide members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the crimp body portions provide structural support and mating surfaces, while the guide members protect the fibers. The segmented design enables the assembly process to proceed without concentrating force on the optical fibers.
2Device complexity
If traditional fiber optic connector designs are used, then the connector structure is compact, but the connector is difficult to repair or rework
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into modular components including the housing assembly, crimp body with first and second portions, guide members, and ferrule. This modular segmentation allows the housing assembly to be removed independently to access the ferrule and optical fibers for repair, while the crimp body remains attached to the cable. The segmented design enables selective disassembly and rework without requiring complete connector replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members are pre-integrated into the crimp body structure during manufacturing, creating a preliminary protective arrangement that remains in place during assembly. This preliminary integration ensures that when the housing assembly is removed for repair, the guide members and crimp body remain positioned to continue protecting the optical fibers, eliminating the need for realignment during rework.
3Ease of operation
If conventional connector assembly methods are used, then the assembly process is straightforward, but fiber damage occurs that is not identified until after activation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members serve as visual and physical indicators during assembly that properly position the optical fibers relative to the mating surfaces. Their integrated design into the crimp body provides continuous protection throughout the assembly process, making fiber damage identifiable and preventable during assembly rather than manifesting later during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members are positioned beforehand within the crimp body to create a protective cushioning effect around the optical fibers during assembly. This prior cushioning arrangement absorbs and distributes assembly forces away from the fragile fibers, preventing damage before it can occur while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic cable assembly having a fiber optic connector is disclosed. The fiber optic connector includes a crimp body having first and second crimp body portions. The first and second crimp body portions have respective mating surfaces and respective passageway portions that form a crimp body passageway when the first and second crimp body portions are assembled. The first mating surface includes one or more integrated guide members extending away from the first mating surface. The guide members are aligned with an inner surface of the first passageway portion to prevent optical fibers from being clamped between the mating surfaces when the first and second crimp body portions are assembled. The second crimp body portion may also include integrated guide members. A connector having such integrated guide members and a method of making a fiber optic cable assembly with such a connector are also disclosed.