Fiber Optic Connector Retention Body for Flexible Cable Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for fiber optic connector designs that provide quick and easy manufacturing in a flexible manner, adaptable to various types of fiber optic cables, to support the construction of complex and flexible fiber optic networks.
Innovation Solution
The use of a retention body and adhesive to secure a connector housing to a fiber optic cable, with crimp members for crimping the retention body to the cable, and a fiber guide to prevent adhesive flow, allowing for a rigid mechanical attachment and reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retention body is provided within the connector body to engage with the retention flange, then connector retention and positioning accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functional modules: a connector body, a separate retention body with retention arms, and a coupling mechanism. The retention body is further segmented into multiple retention arms that can independently engage with the retention flange, allowing distributed loading and improved reliability without requiring a completely complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention body is positioned within the connector body, with retention arms that extend into the coupling. The retention flange on the plug connector nests within the retention body's engagement features. This nested arrangement provides robust retention while maintaining a compact overall structure, balancing complexity with functionality.
2Device complexity
If the fiber optic cable is held in place by friction fit or adhesive, then device complexity is minimized, but manufacturing consistency and retention reliability deteriorate due to sensitivity to contamination and curing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arms are pre-formed as integral parts of the retention body, with engagement features that are precision-molded during manufacturing. This preliminary formation of retention features eliminates the need for separate assembly steps involving friction fits or adhesive application, ensuring consistent engagement geometry and eliminating contamination risks from assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the coupling action between the retention arms and retention flange. When the plug and receptacle are mated, the retention arms automatically engage with the retention flange through elastic deformation and mechanical interference, without requiring external adhesive application or complex assembly procedures. The mechanism serves itself through the inherent elasticity and geometry of its components.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical retention mechanisms are used, then manufacturing consistency improves, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is combined with the connector body as a single molded part in many embodiments, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for the retention mechanism. The retention arms are formed as integral features of the retention body, which itself may be integrated with the connector body housing. This merging of components simplifies production while maintaining precise mechanical retention geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism utilizes elastic deformation of the retention arms as a key parameter. By designing the retention arms with appropriate thickness, material properties, and geometry, the mechanism achieves reliable engagement through controlled elastic deflection during assembly. This parameter-based design allows standard molding processes to produce consistent retention characteristics without complex post-processing or assembly operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
Retention bodies and fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies including a retention body are disclosed. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a retention body for a fiber optic connector that includes a front end and a rear end, at least one opening between the front end and the rear end, a front end wall at the front end, and a fiber guide extending from the front end wall. The fiber guide defines a fiber opening in the front end wall for receiving an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable. The retention body further includes a connector engagement surface at the second end that contacts an end of a connector housing when the retention body is inserted into the connector housing.