Fiber Optic Connector Retention Structure for Outdoor Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fiber optic connectors lack durability and effective cable retention features, which are essential for efficient and cost-effective deployment in outdoor environments.

Innovation Solution

A hardened fiber optic connector design featuring a ferrule holder, connector sub-assembly, connector body with cantilevered flanges and grooves for secure fastening, and a housing with protrusions and raised portions to prevent radial and lateral cable movement, forming a water-tight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fiber optic connectors are used, then the connector structure is simple, but the durability and cable retention are insufficient for outdoor environments

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is divided into multiple components including a first mating member, a second mating member, a shroud, and a housing. Each component serves specific functions: the mating members provide connection interfaces, the shroud provides environmental protection, and the housing provides structural support. This segmentation allows the connector to achieve enhanced durability and cable retention while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a nested structure where the first mating member and second mating member are positioned within the connector body, the shroud encircles the connector body, and the housing encircles the shroud. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and provides progressive layers of protection, enhancing durability without proportionally increasing overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conventional fiber optic connectors are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but cable retention features are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cantilevered flange is pre-formed on the first mating member during manufacturing, and the groove is pre-formed on the second mating member. These preliminary features are designed to automatically engage when the connector components are assembled, providing secure cable retention without requiring additional fastening steps or complex assembly procedures. This approach enhances cable retention while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cantilevered flange and groove engagement mechanism is designed to self-secure during normal connector assembly and operation. The flange automatically engages with the groove to retain the cable, eliminating the need for separate cable securing mechanisms or complex assembly steps. This self-service feature enhances cable retention while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional fiber optic connectors are used, then the connector design is simple, but protection against water ingress and environmental factors is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater ingress protectionVSAvoidconnector design

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud is designed as a protective enclosure that encircles the connector body, providing a barrier against water ingress and environmental factors. The shroud acts as a flexible protective shell that maintains the integrity of the connector interface while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction. This design enhances protection against harmful environmental factors without significantly complicating the overall connector structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design incorporates protective features beforehand, including the shroud that encircles the connector body and the housing that encircles the shroud. These protective elements are built into the design from the outset to prevent water ingress and protect against environmental factors before exposure occurs. This proactive approach enhances protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall design through integrated protective features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12554074B2Fiber optical connector with cable retention feature

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 PPC BROADBAND INC

AI summary

A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule holder configured to receive a ferrule that terminates an optical fiber cable, a connector sub-assembly configured to receive an optical fiber cable and to hold the ferrule holder, a connector body configured to hold the connector sub-assembly, a shroud configured to encircle the connector body, and a housing configured to encircle a portion of the shroud. The connector body is configured to include a first mating member and a second mating member. The first mating member is configured to include a cantilevered flange, and the second mating member is configured to include a groove on an inner surface of the second mating member. The cantilevered flange is configured to engage with the groove to securely fasten the first mating member with the second mating member.