Optical Fiber Connector with Integrated Splitting Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors are too large and require prepared cables, making them unsuitable for consumer devices with high-density connector arrangements and unable to directly connect unprepared optical fiber cables with multiple cores.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical cable connector with a housing that includes a sharp edge to split the sheathing material of unprepared optical fiber cables, electro-optical transceivers for signal conversion, and a lever assembly for secure cable retention, allowing direct connection of unprepared duplex POF cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing optical fiber connectors are used, then connection reliability is achieved, but the connector size is too large for high-density arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate modular components: a housing, a removable cable retention member, and an integrated sharp edge for cable splitting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall size while maintaining connection reliability through proper assembly of the modular parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retention member is designed to nest within the housing when not in use, and the sharp edge is integrated into the housing structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the connector's volume when cables are not being connected, enabling high-density connector arrangements while preserving full connection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If manual cable preparation is required, then connection precision can be achieved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sharp edge for cable splitting is integrated directly into the housing structure, merging the cable preparation function with the connector body. This eliminates the need for separate cable preparation tools or steps, allowing users to directly connect unprepared cables while adding minimal complexity to the overall connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs cable splitting automatically through its integrated sharp edge when the cable is inserted and the retention member is engaged. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual cable preparation by the user, simplifying the installation process while the integrated design keeps the added complexity minimal.
3Ease of operation
If integrated cable splitting is added, then ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sharp edge is positioned at a specific location within the housing where it interacts with the cable at a controlled point. By concentrating the splitting function at this localized position rather than requiring precision throughout the entire connector, the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced to only the critical local area where the sharp edge contacts the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sharp edge geometry and positioning parameters are optimized to work with standard cable dimensions and materials. By designing the sharp edge with specific dimensional parameters that accommodate typical cable variations, the connector achieves reliable cable splitting without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thus reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
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
Enables secure, direct connection of unprepared optical fiber cables with multiple cores to consumer devices, reducing the need for manual cable preparation and accommodating high-density connector arrangements, thus simplifying network infrastructure and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
a sharp edge positioned within the housing so as to split the sheathing material of the optical cable thereby physically separating at least two of the optical fiber cores
Implementation Method 2
electro-optical transceivers configured to convert the optical signals into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cable connector is disclosed herein. The optical cable connector includes a housing; an aperture on a side of the housing for receiving unsplit duplex optical cable; a sharp edge, disposed within the housing and positioned to split a portion of the optical cable into two optical fibers when the cable is inserted into the aperture, the fibers for carrying optical signals; and electro-optical transceivers, disposed within the housing and aligned with the two optical fibers to receive the optical signals, the transceivers configured to convert the optical signals into electrical signals. Integrating the sharp edge within the connector precludes a user from having to manually split optical cable prior to inserting the cable into the connector, thereby making the connector relatively easy to use and reducing the likelihood the user will be injured.