Fiber Optic Connector Storage with Deformable Low-Contact Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connector storage devices fail to effectively protect the polished end faces of ferrules from contaminants and often require excessive force to insert and remove connectors due to snug fits, which can cause vacuum effects and damage to locking clips.
Innovation Solution
A connector storage system featuring a silicone rubber block with deformable chambers and notches that securely hold fiber optic connectors via a friction or interference fit, minimizing contact area and reducing insertion/removal force, while allowing airflow and visibility of dust caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional storage adapters are used to hold fiber optic connectors, then connectors can be stored during pre-wiring or cross-connection, but the polished end faces of ferrules are not effectively protected from contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The dust cap is nested within the storage adapter chamber, creating a layered protection system where the dust cap provides primary protection and the chamber provides secondary protection, effectively protecting the ferrule end face from contaminants
2Stability of the object's composition
If storage adapters with snug fits are used to securely hold connectors, then connectors are held firmly in place, but excessive force is required to insert and remove connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The storage adapter uses localized engagement features (ridges or protrusions) that engage with specific portions of the connector housing, providing secure holding stability while minimizing overall contact area to reduce friction and insertion/removal force
3Stability of the object's composition
If storage adapters with large contact area are used to hold connectors securely, then connectors are firmly positioned, but vacuum effects occur making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features are designed to contact only specific localized portions of the connector, providing sufficient positioning stability while minimizing the total contact area to prevent vacuum effect formation during removal
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional storage devices are used to hold connectors, then connectors can be stored, but locking clips may extend beyond the outer surface and become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip is nested within the chamber of the storage adapter, positioned inside the protective enclosure rather than extending outward, which prevents damage to the locking clip while maintaining storage functionality
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 system effectively protects the connector ends from contaminants and reduces the force required for insertion and removal, while safeguarding locking clips and maintaining connector integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A connector storage system featuring a silicone rubber block with deformable chambers
Implementation Method 2
securely hold fiber optic connectors via a friction or interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A connector storage includes a storage block including a plurality of chambers. Each of the plurality of chambers includes an open first end at a front wall and a substantially closed second end at a rear wall. The storage block is configured to include first voids and/or second voids between adjacent ones of the plurality of chambers. Each of the plurality of chambers includes a substantially circular perimeter wall that includes first and second wall portions between the respective chamber and respective ones of the first and second voids. The perimeter wall is configured to have a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of a circle that circumscribes corners of the fiber optic connector. The first and second wall portions are configured to deform into respective ones of the first and second voids to receive and securely grip the corners of the fiber optic connector while minimizing a contact area between the perimeter wall and the connector so as to reduce a force required to insert the connector into the storage block and remove the connector from the storage block.