Compact Fiber Optic Connector Assembly With Elastic Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connectors and adapters have complex structures and larger sizes due to the inclusion of a case, insertion body, and coil spring, making it difficult to reduce their size effectively.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fiber optic connector assembly that omits the case and insertion body, using a ferrule assembly with an elastic piece in the adapter's peripheral wall to exert an axial elastic force, replacing the coil spring and allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fiber optic connector includes a case, insertion body, and coil spring, then the connector can provide reliable fiber alignment and connection force, but the structure becomes complicated and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the case and insertion body from the conventional connector structure, retaining only the essential ferrule assembly. The coil spring is replaced with an elastic piece integrated into the adapter, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining alignment reliability through the retained ferrule components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the elastic piece with the adapter housing, integrating the spring function directly into the adapter structure rather than requiring a separate coil spring component. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly
2Force
If a conventional fiber optic connector includes a coil spring extending in the axial direction, then the connector can exert sufficient spring force for reliable connection, but the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the elastic element from axial (coil spring extending along the connector axis) to radial (elastic piece positioned in the peripheral wall of the adapter). This dimensional change allows the elastic force to be exerted in the axial direction on the ferrule while the elastic piece itself occupies minimal axial space, thereby reducing the overall connector length
3Reliability
If a conventional fiber optic connector includes case, insertion body, and coil spring, then the connector can provide stable connection, but the adapter size also increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the case and insertion body from the connector assembly, extracting only the essential ferrule components needed for fiber alignment. This reduction in connector size directly reduces the adapter volume required to house and support the connector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the elastic piece into the adapter structure, merging two previously separate functions (connector housing and spring mechanism) into a single compact assembly, thereby reducing the overall volume of the adapter
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 solution results in a more streamlined and compact fiber optic connector and adapter assembly, simplifying the structure while reducing their overall length, enhancing flexibility and alignment precision.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic piece for holding the ferrule assembly in the simplified port, wherein the elastic piece is disposed in a peripheral wall of the simplified port and clamped on the ferrule assembly to exert an axial elastic force on the ferrule assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector assembly comprising: a fiber optic connector (110) and a fiber optic adapter (120). The fiber optic connector comprises a ferrule assembly (110) and is simplified to not comprise a case and/or an insertion body of a standard fiber optic connector disposed outside the ferrule assembly. The fiber optic adapter comprises a simplified port (121) adapted to receive the ferrule assembly (110) therein and an elastic piece (130) for holding the ferrule assembly (110) in the simplified port. The elastic piece is disposed in a peripheral wall of the simplified port and clamped on the ferrule assembly to exert an axial elastic force on the ferrule assembly. The fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter of the present invention both can be shortened in length, and the fiber optic connector assembly has a simpler structure than that of a standard fiber optic connector assembly.