Fiber Optic Connector Dust Protector with Integrated Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust protectors for fiber optic connectors do not provide a built-in cleaning function, requiring a separate component for cleaning after the protector is removed, which can lead to reduced connection bandwidth due to dust and contamination.

Innovation Solution

A dust protector design that integrates a dust cap and a cleaning component, such as a cleaning wipe or adhesive jelly, allowing the cover to be flipped open to expose the cleaning component for direct contact with the fiber optic connector, eliminating the need for a separate cleaning tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate cleaning component is used to clean the fiber optic connector after the dust protector is removed, then the cleaning function is provided, but the device complexity increases and the cleaning process becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning component is integrated directly into the dust protector structure, combining the protection function and cleaning function into a single device. The cleaning component includes a cleaning wipe or adhesive cloth that is positioned within the dust protector to directly contact the fiber optic connector when the cover is opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dust protector is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the fiber optic connector from dust contamination and simultaneously provides cleaning capability through the integrated cleaning component. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cleaning tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate cleaning component is used to clean the fiber optic connector, then the cleaning function is provided, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the dust protector does not have a built-in cleaning function, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to the need for additional cleaning steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning component is pre-positioned within the dust protector structure, ready to clean the fiber optic connector immediately when needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate cleaning steps and accelerates the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the cover is always open to access the cleaning component, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protection function deteriorates due to dust exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddust contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be dynamically openable and closable, allowing the user to access the cleaning component when needed while maintaining protection when the cover is closed. The engaging portions allow the cover to be opened for cleaning access while normally remaining closed to protect the fiber optic connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10481342B1Dust protector with cleaning function for fiber optic connector

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 PROTAI PHOTONIC

AI summary

A dust protector of a fiber optic connector according to the present disclosure includes a dust cap and a cleaning component. The dust cap includes a frame and a cover. The frame is configured to cover the front end of a fiber optic connector. The cover is pivotally coupled to the frame. The cleaning component is disposed on the frame to clean the fiber optic connector. The cover is configured to be closed to cover the cleaning component and to be flipped open to expose the cleaning component. The present disclosure further provides another dust protector of a fiber optic connector. In addition to being used to protect the fiber optic connector from contamination, the dust protector of the present disclosure provides additional value that avoids the need to use a separate component to clean a fiber end of a fiber optic connector.