Fiber Optic Connector Cap with Sealing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber connectors often arrive at installation sites contaminated, requiring field cleaning due to inadequate protection during manufacturing and storage, which can lead to damage and interference with optical communication.
Innovation Solution
A cap apparatus with a sealing apparatus is designed to protect the end faces of optical fiber connectors, featuring a body with a cavity and a cover that obstructs the opening, using adhesive tape or a plug with higher elasticity to seal the cavity and prevent particle migration, ensuring the cleanliness of the connector until installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dust caps are applied to fiber optic connectors in the manufacturer's factory, then physical damage protection is improved, but contamination protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into two functional segments: a dust cap for physical damage protection and a sealing apparatus for contamination protection. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its respective function, with the sealing apparatus incorporating adhesive material that specifically addresses contamination while the dust cap maintains physical protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing apparatus uses composite construction combining adhesive material with structural components (body, cover, fastener). The adhesive material provides contamination protection through chemical bonding, while the structural elements provide mechanical protection, creating a composite solution that addresses both physical damage and contamination issues simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If field cleaning process is required prior to installation, then contamination is addressed, but time and productivity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus is applied to the connector end face before installation at the destination. The adhesive material is positioned to extend beyond the end face, creating a protective barrier that prevents contamination during storage and transport. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for field cleaning operations, saving time and improving productivity.
3Reliability
If adhesive material is positioned close to the end face, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but risk of adhesive residue on end face increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material is positioned with specific local characteristics: it extends beyond the end face in a controlled manner, creating a sealing barrier while the formulation and positioning are designed to minimize residue on the critical end face surface. The adhesive provides localized sealing effectiveness at the interface between the sealing apparatus and the environment, while maintaining end face cleanliness.
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 cap apparatus effectively seals the connector end faces, preventing contamination and ensuring they remain clean and functional until installation, reducing the need for additional field cleaning and enhancing the reliability of optical communications.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing apparatus may comprise an area of adhesive material that confronts the end face of the ferrule and is spaced apart from the end face of the ferrule
Implementation Method 2
The plug may have a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the body of the cap apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A cap apparatus is mounted to a fiber optic connector having a ferrule supporting optical fiber(s). A sealing apparatus is cooperatively configured with the cap apparatus for protecting an end face of the ferrule. The cap apparatus includes a body having opposite ends between which a cavity extends. The opposite ends of the body respectively define first and second openings to the cavity. A portion of the fiber optic connector extends through the first opening and into the cavity. The cap apparatus includes a cover mounted to the body and at least partially obstructing the second opening, wherein the end face of the ferrule is positioned within the cavity at a location spaced from the cover. The sealing apparatus is positioned between at least a portion of the cover and the end face of the ferrule.