Optical Fiber Connector Tail Sleeve for Confined-Space Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connectors face issues such as wear and breakage of engaging members due to forceful detachment, difficulty in detachment due to lever obstruction, and interference with signal transmission by the design of MT ferrules.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber connector features a casing body with an engaging portion and a tail sleeve mechanism that allows for easy detachment by pulling along a longitudinal axis, along with a housing design that prevents interference with the optical fiber cable, and an adapter with limiting blocks for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engaging members are detached by forceful pulling of the casing body, then the engaging members can be disengaged from the engaging slots, but the engaging members and engaging slots suffer wear and the engaging members may break
Solution Approach 1:
The detachment operation is segmented into two independent actions: first pulling the tail sleeve to slide the receiving portion along the longitudinal axis, then the auxiliary member automatically drives the engaging portion to move along the height axis for disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without forcing, preventing wear and breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary member is designed to automatically drive the engaging portion to move along the height axis when the tail sleeve is pulled, without requiring manual intervention to manipulate the engaging members. This self-service mechanism ensures smooth detachment while protecting the engaging members from damage.
2Ease of operation
If the handling lever is pulled upwardly to detach the engaging members, then the engaging members may disengage, but the lever may be blocked by adjacent connectors in a matrix arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The detachment mechanism transitions from a vertical lever operation (height axis) to a longitudinal pulling motion (longitudinal axis). The tail sleeve and receiving portion are designed to slide along the longitudinal axis, which is a different dimension from the traditional lever pull direction. This dimensional change allows detachment operation without interference from adjacent connectors in matrix arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary member acts as an intermediary between the tail sleeve and the engaging portion. When the tail sleeve is pulled along the longitudinal axis, the auxiliary member translates this motion into the appropriate movement of the engaging portion along the height axis, enabling detachment without direct manipulation of the engaging members.
3Ease of operation
If the spring is mounted by surrounding the housing in a helix to facilitate positioning, then the spring provides buffering and positioning, but the spring design may damage the optical fiber cable and interfere with signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is extracted from the traditional helical mounting that surrounds the housing. Instead, the spring is positioned within the accommodating groove of the seat member, separated from the optical fiber cable and housing structure. This extraction eliminates the harmful interaction between the spring and the optical fiber cable while preserving the spring's buffering and positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the accommodating groove for the spring, the disposition groove for the optical fiber cable, and the engaging portions for connection. This spatial segmentation ensures that the spring operates independently without contacting or interfering with the optical fiber cable, eliminating damage and signal interference.
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
Facilitates easy and damage-free detachment of optical fiber connectors in confined spaces, ensures proper alignment of MT ferrules, and prevents interference with signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
two resilient members mounted respectively in the accommodating grooves
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary member mounted on the tail sleeve and driving movement of the distal end of the engaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a casing body, a housing, two resilient members, a tail sleeve, and an auxiliary member. The casing body includes a casing wall portion, and an engaging portion extending inclinedly from the casing wall portion, being flexible, and detachably engaging an optical fiber adapter. The housing includes two seat members defining two accommodating grooves in which the resilient members are respectively disposed. The auxiliary member includes a base portion mounted on the tail sleeve, and a drive portion extending from the base portion along a longitudinal axis and driving movement of the engaging portion. The auxiliary member is co-movable with the tail sleeve when the tail sleeve is pulled away from the casing body along the longitudinal axis such that the drive portion drives the engaging portion to move toward the casing wall portion along a height axis.