Fiber Optic Connector Curing Clip for Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic connectors face issues with the movement of ferrules and springs during epoxy curing, leading to misalignment and potential epoxy leakage, as existing mechanisms are inadequate to maintain relative positions and prevent component bonding.
Innovation Solution
A removable curing clip with spring stops and internal projections is integrated into the housing to restrain springs and ferrules during epoxy curing, ensuring proper alignment and preventing epoxy from bonding internal components prematurely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no retaining mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fiber optic ferrules and springs may move or fall out during epoxy curing, leading to misalignment and potential bonding of internal components
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the ferrules/springs and the housing. This mediator prevents direct contact between the epoxy and internal components while maintaining their relative positions during curing, thus preventing unwanted bonding without requiring complex integrated retention structures
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism is designed as a separate, removable component distinct from the housing and internal components. This segmentation allows the retention function to be independently implemented and removed after curing, avoiding permanent complexity in the overall device structure
2Device complexity
If the crimp body and spring push are integrated into a single component, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impossible to use the spring push to maintain predetermined relative positions during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated crimp body/spring push assembly is segmented by introducing a separate retaining mechanism. This allows the spring push to remain integrated with the crimp body for simplicity, while the retaining mechanism provides the additional position-stabilizing function needed during curing without requiring permanent structural complexity
3Reliability
If optical fibers are cured before inserting ferrules into the housing, then the position stability during curing is improved, but the fiber optic ferrules may be misaligned due to incorrect fiber length or askew positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is installed in advance within the housing to establish predetermined positions for the ferrules and springs before epoxy application. This preliminary positioning ensures correct alignment and spacing, allowing subsequent curing to proceed without compromising precision
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables both precise ferrule positioning and stable curing conditions simultaneously, eliminating the need to choose between curing first or positioning first
4Ease of manufacture
If the crimp body/spring push is installed before epoxy curing, then the device assembly is simplified, but the epoxy may leak and bond internal components together that are not to be bonded
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism serves as a protective intermediary between the epoxy and internal components. It allows the crimp body/spring push to be installed before curing for manufacturing simplicity, while simultaneously preventing epoxy leakage and unwanted bonding by maintaining proper spacing and positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining mechanism engages springs in a fiber optic connector to prevent movement of the springs relative to the fiber optic ferrules and the housing during curing of an epoxy inserted into the fiber optic connector. The retaining mechanism may be removably attached to the housing of the fiber optic connector. It may be inserted from a rear end of the fiber optic connector or disposed around an outside portion of the housing. The retaining mechanism may also be integral with an inside surface of the housing.