Multi-connector Fiber Optic Cleaner with Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning multiple multi-fiber optical fiber connectors simultaneously is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient, as existing cleaners often require manual activation for each connector and result in significant wastage of cleaning cloth.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner with a mechanism, such as a cam mechanism, that allows multiple fiber optic connectors to be cleaned in succession with a single activation, using a cleaning cloth that engages cleaner pads to ensure each end face is cleaned with a fresh portion of the cloth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple fiber optic connectors are cleaned one at a time using traditional cleaners, then each connector can be cleaned thoroughly, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions into a single device that can clean multiple fiber optic connectors simultaneously. The cleaner is designed with multiple cleaning tips or a broad cleaning surface that accommodates multiple connectors, allowing operators to clean several connectors in one operation rather than sequentially cleaning each one individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner is designed as a universal device that can handle various types of fiber optic connectors (single-fiber and multi-fiber) through a single mechanism. The device incorporates adjustable or adaptable cleaning elements that can accommodate different connector configurations, enabling one cleaner to perform multiple cleaning tasks that previously required different cleaning approaches.
2Productivity
If traditional cleaners are used for multiple connectors, then cleaning can be performed, but significant wastage of cleaning cloth occurs as only a small percentage is utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning cloth is divided into multiple sections or zones, with each section designated for cleaning specific connectors. This segmentation allows different portions of the cloth to be used systematically across multiple connectors, ensuring that clean portions are used for each connector and preventing the use of already-contaminated cloth areas, thereby reducing overall cloth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a mechanism to refresh or reset the cleaning cloth surface after use. This may involve retracting the cloth to a clean portion, rotating the cloth to present a fresh surface, or using a system where the cloth is automatically advanced to a clean section, thereby recovering the cleaning capability without discarding the entire cloth.
3Ease of operation
If only one side of the cleaning cloth is used, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning cloth is wasted as the other side remains unused
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning cloth is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to flip or rotate between sides during the cleaning process. This dynamic capability enables both sides of the cloth to be utilized automatically as the device progresses through multiple connectors, transforming a static single-sided cloth into a functional double-sided resource without complicating the operator's task.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner automatically manages the cleaning cloth orientation and presentation, flipping or advancing the cloth to present clean surfaces without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This self-service mechanism ensures both sides of the cloth are utilized while maintaining ease of operation, as the device handles the complexity of cloth management autonomously.
4Productivity
If manual cleaning of each connector is performed, then cleaning can be completed, but it is not trustworthy if the cleaner misses one or forgets which ones have been cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates visual or tactile feedback mechanisms that indicate the cleaning status of each connector. This may include position indicators, cleaning confirmation signals, or a systematic arrangement that guides the operator through each connector in sequence, providing real-time feedback on which connectors have been cleaned and which remain, thereby ensuring complete and reliable cleaning without manual tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner is designed with pre-positioned cleaning elements and predetermined cleaning paths that ensure all connectors are addressed in a systematic sequence. The device may include alignment features, guide rails, or programmed motion that pre-establish the cleaning route, ensuring no connector is missed and maintaining reliable completion of the cleaning task.
Data Source
AI summary
There is a cleaner for cleaning a plurality of fiber optic connectors, each fiber optic connector having fiber optic ferrule that has a main body including a mechanism to move at least one cleaner pad to respective positions adjacent the plurality of fiber optic connectors, a cleaning cloth movable relative to the plurality of fiber optic connectors, wherein the cleaning cloth engages the cleaner pad when the cleaner pad is aligned with one of the end faces and also engages the end face of each of the fiber optic ferrules to clean the fiber optic ferrules, the plurality of fiber optic connectors are ganged together, and wherein the end faces of the plurality of fiber optic ferrules are cleanable in succession one after the other with a single activation of the mechanism. The cleaning cloth may also be flipped between cleanings.