Fiber Optic Overboot Assembly Strain Relief and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
ARINC 801 fiber optic connectors lack built-in strain relief and require a separate tool for removal, which is often not readily available and can be difficult to use, limiting their adoption in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
An overboot assembly that provides strain relief and serves as a combined insertion/removal tool, featuring a removal member, spring, spring anchor, cable standoff, and cover, allowing for secure attachment and easy removal of the fiber optic terminus from a receptacle without the need for an external tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ARINC 801 termini are used without integrated strain relief, then the connector design is simpler, but the reliability is reduced due to lack of cable strain relief in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strain relief function with the connector body by integrating a boot assembly that includes a retention member and cable support features directly into the connector structure. This merging of functions provides cable strain relief while maintaining a unified, compact design that does not require separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides strain relief for the cable, retains the connector in the receptacle through deflectable fingers, and protects the internal components. This multi-functionality addresses the reliability concern while avoiding additional complexity from separate components.
2Ease of operation
If a separate removal tool is required for ARINC 801 termini, then the connector design is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tool availability and accessibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating a removal member that enables users to release the connector from the receptacle without requiring external tools. The removal member works in conjunction with the retention mechanism to provide tool-free installation and removal, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal function is merged into the connector body itself through the integrated removal member. This eliminates the need for separate removal tools by combining the retention and release functions within the single connector assembly, making the system self-contained and easier to operate.
3Strength
If ARINC 801 termini lack integrated strain relief, then the device complexity is lower, but the ruggedness decreases making them unsuitable for harsh operating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief functionality is merged into the connector structure through the boot assembly that includes a retention member and cable support features. This integration provides ruggedness suitable for harsh environments while maintaining a unified design that does not significantly increase overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot assembly is pre-configured with strain relief features and retention mechanisms before the connector is installed. This preliminary preparation ensures that the connector is ready to withstand harsh operating conditions from the outset, providing ruggedness without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures.
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 overboot assembly enhances the ruggedness and usability of ARINC 801 fiber optic connectors by providing integrated strain relief and a straightforward removal mechanism, improving their performance in harsh environments and reducing the risk of damage during installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a removal member (102) that is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
To improve the termination of a fiber optic cable, disclosed is an overboot assembly for a fiber optic terminus that retains a terminal end of the fiber optic cable in a receptacle. The overboot assembly provides strain relief to the fiber optic cable. Also, the overboot includes a removal member that is not separable from a fiber optic assembly of the fiber optic cable, the terminus and the overboot. The removal member may be advanced longitudinally relative to the terminus to manipulate a retaining member in the receptacle that latches the terminus in a connected state with the receptacle. Manipulation of the retaining member unlatches the terminus so that the terminus may be removed from the receptacle.