Fiber Optic Connector Retention Body for Cable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for fiber optic connector designs that can be manufactured quickly and flexibly to accommodate various types of fiber optic cables in complex and evolving communication networks, such as FTTx and 5G applications, while ensuring secure and efficient connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of retention bodies with adhesive and crimp members to securely attach a fiber optic connector housing to a fiber optic cable, featuring a fiber guide to prevent adhesive flow and crimping to the cable's strength members or jacket, allowing for adaptable connections to different cable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fiber optic connector designs are used, then connections can be made between different cable types, but manufacturing is time-consuming and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple cable types including dual drop cables, rigid strength member cables, and yarn-like strength member cables. The single retention body structure replaces multiple cable-specific components, enabling one component to serve multiple functions across different cable configurations while maintaining adaptability through its internal geometry and engagement features.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used to secure the connector to the cable, then secure connections are achieved, but the number of components and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body merges multiple previously separate components into a single integrated structure. It combines the functions of cable gripping, adhesive retention, and connector housing engagement in one component. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining secure connections through the combined mechanical and adhesive retention mechanisms within the unified retention body structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If adhesive is applied freely in the connector housing, then bonding is achieved, but adhesive flow to the front end causes contamination and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body acts as an intermediary structure between the adhesive application point and the fiber optic cable. It includes an adhesive barrier feature that controls adhesive flow, allowing adhesive to be applied at the rear end while preventing it from flowing to the front end where it would cause contamination. This intermediary structure enables precise adhesive placement and reduces waste by containing it within the intended bonding zone.
4Ease of manufacture
If the connector housing is directly attached to the cable, then assembly is simplified, but adaptability to different cable shapes and constructions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body incorporates local quality variations through its internal geometry and engagement features that are specifically designed to interact with different cable types. The internal shape, crimping features, and engagement surfaces are optimized for specific cable constructions while the overall structure remains compatible with multiple cable configurations. This localized adaptation within a unified structure enables both ease of manufacture and versatility.
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
This solution enables rapid and flexible manufacturing of fiber optic connector assemblies, ensuring secure connections and reducing component costs by minimizing the number of components needed, while accommodating various cable shapes and constructions, including dual drop cables and those with rigid or yarn-like strength members.
Implementation Method 1
employ a retention body and adhesive to secure a connector housing of a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
The retention bodies include one or more crimp members for crimping the retention body to the fiber optic cable
Data Source
AI summary
Retention bodies and fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies including a retention body are disclosed. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a retention body for a fiber optic connector that includes a front end and a rear end, at least one opening between the front end and the rear end, a front end wall at the front end, and a fiber guide extending from the front end wall. The fiber guide defines a fiber opening in the front end wall for receiving an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable. The retention body further includes a connector engagement surface at the second end that contacts an end of a connector housing when the retention body is inserted into the connector housing.