Fiber Optic Connector Anchor Mechanism for Tensile Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connector and cable assemblies face issues with tensile loads causing optical disconnections due to the transfer of stress to the ferrule assembly, leading to unreliable connections and signal degradation from axial elongation, shrinking, or coiling of the cable.
Innovation Solution
An anchor mechanism is introduced to securely anchor the optical fiber within the fiber optic cable, preventing relative axial movement between the fiber and strength members, thereby preventing stress transfer to the ferrule assembly, and ensuring reliable optical performance through the use of an anchor mechanism that can be an adhesive, heat shrink wrap, or a locking device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tensile load is applied to the cable, then the strength structures transfer the load to the connector housing, but the load can cause the ferrule assembly to move proximally against spring bias causing optical disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: a strength structure anchoring zone that handles tensile loads and a ferrule assembly zone that maintains optical alignment. The strength structures are anchored to the connector housing body rather than the ferrule assembly, creating a mechanical separation that prevents load transfer to the optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the ferrule assembly and the connector housing. It provides biasing force to maintain optical contact while absorbing and isolating tensile loads, preventing direct force transmission from the strength structures to the ferrule assembly that would cause proximal movement and disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If the ferrule assembly is allowed to move for connection, then alignment can be achieved, but axial displacement causes optical disconnection under tensile stress
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides a counteracting biasing force that opposes and balances tensile loads applied to the cable. This counterforce ensures that even when the cable is pulled, the ferrule assembly remains in its optimal optical alignment position, preventing proximal movement that would cause disconnection while maintaining ease of connection during assembly.
3Strength
If conventional anchoring techniques are used, then strength structures are secured to the connector housing, but stress transfer to the ferrule assembly causes axial elongation and signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is segmented into strength structures attached to the connector housing body, completely separate from the ferrule assembly. This segmentation ensures that anchoring strength is maximized through robust attachment to the housing while optical signal quality is preserved by preventing any stress pathway from reaching the ferrule and fiber interface.
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
The anchor mechanism enhances connection reliability and optical performance by preventing undesirable movement of the ferrule and optical fibers, ensuring stable transmission even under tensile loads, axial displacement, and temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is used to bias the ferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connector housing
Implementation Method 2
An anchor mechanism is introduced to securely anchor the optical fiber within the fiber optic cable, preventing relative axial movement between the fiber and strength members
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic cable, and an anchoring mechanism. The fiber optic connector includes a connector housing and a ferrule assembly having a ferrule and a spring. The fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber contained within a cable jacket and at least one strength structure for providing tensile reinforcement to the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is attached to the fiber optic connector and the at least one optical fiber runs from the fiber optic cable through a total length of the fiber optic connector. The anchor mechanism anchors the at least one optical fiber to at least one of the cable jacket and the at least one strength structure.