Fiber Optic Connector Spring Holder Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors face issues with maintaining a stable optical connection due to spring rattle, which can lead to disconnection and failure, as the existing single spring mechanism is not sufficient to ensure consistent engagement between ferrules.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a housing with a latch and spring holder mechanism that allows the ferrule to move proximally and distally, with multiple springs mounted on spring holders to bias the ferrule distally and maintain the optical connection, reducing spring rattle and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single spring mechanism is used to bias the ferrule, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the optical connection deteriorates due to spring rattle and inconsistent engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single spring mechanism into multiple separate springs, each mounted on its own spring holder. This segmentation allows each spring to independently bias the ferrule without the interference and rattling that occurs in a single spring system, thereby improving connection stability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular spring holders
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spring holders as intermediary components between the springs and the ferrule. These spring holders provide stable mounting points for the multiple springs and mediate the biasing force transmission to the ferrule, reducing direct spring-to-ferrule contact that causes rattle and improving connection reliability
2Ease of operation
If the ferrule is fixed relative to the housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the ferrule cannot move to enable connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spring holder movable relative to the housing, allowing the ferrule to dynamically adjust its position. The spring holder can move distally to enable connection and proximally to enable disconnection, with the spring providing continuous biasing force throughout the motion range. This dynamic design enables easy operation while the spring's elastic property simplifies the mechanism by providing automatic force maintenance without complex control systems
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 design effectively maintains the optical connection by reducing spring rattle and ensuring consistent engagement between ferrules, improving the reliability and stability of fiber optic connections.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the ferrule in a distal direction away from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a latch for securing the fiber optic connector to an adapter housing. A ferrule forms an optical connection with a second fiber optic connector. The ferrule is disposed distally of the housing. A spring holder operatively couples the ferrule to the housing. The spring holder is movable relative to at least one of the housing and the ferrule to enable the ferrule to move proximally and distally relative to the housing. A spring biases the ferrule in a distal direction away from the housing. The spring is mounted on the spring holder.