Fiber Optic Cable Anchor with Bonding Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connection systems face challenges in securely attaching fiber optic cables to connectors without using crimp bands or rings, while ensuring axial reinforcement and strain relief.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an anchor with a passage that secures strength members and optical fibers, using a bonding material to anchor the strength members to the connector housing, thereby providing axial reinforcement and strain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional crimp bands or rings are used to attach fiber optic cables to connectors, then mechanical strength is provided, but the device complexity increases and the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional crimp band or ring from the connector assembly, extracting this separate mechanical fastening component. Instead, the strength members are directly embedded into the connector housing, eliminating the need for additional crimping hardware and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of mechanical fastening with the connector housing structure itself. The housing is designed with internal cavities and bonding surfaces that directly receive and secure the strength members, combining what were previously separate functions (housing + crimp band) into a single integrated component
2Strength
If crimp bands or rings are used to secure strength members, then axial reinforcement is achieved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates provisions for strength member attachment directly into the mold tooling used to manufacture the connector housing. Bonding surfaces, cavities, and anchoring features are pre-formed during the housing manufacturing process itself, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps to install crimp bands or perform additional fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical crimping system with a chemical bonding system. Instead of using mechanical force through crimp bands to secure strength members, the invention uses bonding material (adhesive, epoxy, or other chemically bonding substances) to attach the strength members directly to the housing, simplifying the manufacturing process
3Force
If strength members are structurally connected to hardened fiber optic connectors through multiple components, then load transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (strength member, connector housing, and fastening mechanism) into a single integrated structure. The housing itself provides both the structural connection and the load transmission path, eliminating intermediate components while maintaining effective force transfer from the cable to the connector body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction where the connector housing integrates multiple functional elements with different material properties. The housing combines structural support materials with bonding surfaces designed for adhesive attachment, creating a multi-functional composite structure that handles both mechanical strength and chemical bonding in a single component
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
This solution securely attaches fiber optic cables to connectors, providing axial reinforcement and strain relief without the need for crimp bands or rings, enhancing the durability and reliability of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one strength member is secured within the passage of the anchor by a bonding material such that the anchor anchors the at least one strength member to the connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber-optic connector housing (50) and cable (20, 20′) are attached together by an anchor (100, 200). The anchor includes a one-piece main body, a passage (110, 210), and an injection port (130, 230). The passage extends between first (102, 202) and second ends (104, 204) of the anchor. Strength members (40, 40′) of the cable are secured within the passage by a bonding material (90) and are thereby anchored to the connector housing. A proximal end (54) of the connector housing includes first (60) and second housing components (70) which capture the anchor. The passage passes through an optical fiber (30) of the cable. The passage includes first (120, 220), second (170, 270), and third portions (180, 280). The first portion radially positions the optical fiber. The second portion receives the bonding material and the strength members. The third portion receives a jacket (26, 26′) of the fiber optic cable. The injection port delivers the bonding material to the passage. The anchor may further include retention tabs (150) that fit within corresponding receivers (62, 72) within the connector.