Fiber Optic Connector Bonding Portion Retains Reinforcing Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fiber optic connectors with reinforced cables is time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to potential twisting, kinking, or binding of the reinforcing material, which can degrade signal transmission performance.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector with a bonding portion structurally configured to retain the reinforcing portion of the cable during field installation, preventing movement and ensuring secure attachment, thereby enhancing installation efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional installation methods are used without a bonding portion, then the installation process is simpler, but the reinforcing material can twist, kink, or bind during installation, degrading signal transmission performance
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding portion is pre-integrated into the connector body structure, providing preliminary retention capability before the actual installation process begins. This preliminary structural configuration prevents the reinforcing material from moving during installation, eliminating the need for separate retention components while maintaining signal transmission integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding portion merges the retention function with the connector body structure itself, combining multiple functions (structural support, retention, and alignment) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate clips or fasteners, reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If excessive length of reinforcing material is used and physically held during installation, then movement of the reinforcing material is prevented, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding portion enables the reinforcing material to self-retain within the connector body without requiring external manual holding or additional fastening components. The material is guided and retained by the integrated bonding structure, allowing installers to complete the termination process quickly without needing to continuously hold or adjust the reinforcing material.
3Reliability
If additional plastic molded, die cast, or machined components are added to secure the reinforcing material, then the reinforcing material is retained in place, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding portion is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides structural support, retention, and alignment for the reinforcing material. This universal component eliminates the need for specialized clips, fasteners, or separate retention mechanisms, reducing the total number of components while maintaining effective retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding portion may utilize composite material structures or integrated material properties to achieve both mechanical strength and retention functionality within a single component, eliminating the need for separate plastic molded or machined retention parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector may include a body portion having a first end portion structurally configured to connect a fiber optic cable to an interface of a network component, a coupling portion at a second end portion of the body portion opposite to the first end portion, and a bonding portion disposed on at least a portion of the coupling portion. The coupling portion may include an exterior surface portion structurally configured to comprise an engagement portion and a receiving portion defined by the engagement portion, and at least a portion of the receiving portion may be structurally configured to receive the bonding portion. The bonding portion is structurally configured to retain a reinforcing portion of a fiber optic cable during field installation of the connector on the fiber optic cable with the connector so as to prevent movement of the reinforcing portion relative to the body portion.