Shutter Configuration for Fiber Optic Connector Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic connectors, particularly ferrule-less connectors, face challenges in maintaining dust and contaminant ingress protection and efficient manufacturing processes, which affect the reliability and versatility of fiber optic communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a shutter configuration with a spring-biased mechanism for dust protection and the use of fiber carrier modules that allow for stacked assembly and alignment of optical fibers, enabling efficient handling and processing, along with a common rear connection interface for multiple connector types, facilitating manufacturing and compatibility with various fiber optic cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter is added to protect against dust and contaminants, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is spring-loaded to automatically return to the closed protective position after being opened, eliminating the need for manual resetting or complex control mechanisms. The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically restoring the protective state.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic open state during connector insertion, then automatically returns to closed. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between protection and access states without permanent structural changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If fiber carrier modules are used for stacked assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic connector is divided into separate modular components: fiber carrier modules that can be independently manufactured and then stacked. Each module contains pre-aligned fibers, and the stacking process maintains alignment through precision interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fiber carriers are combined through stacked assembly to form a complete multi-fiber connector. The modular design allows individual carriers to be manufactured with high precision and then combined without compromising overall alignment accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types share a common rear connection interface, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear connection interface is designed as a universal standard that can accommodate multiple connector types (e.g., LC, SC, MPO). This single interface design serves multiple functions by supporting different fiber configurations and connector styles without requiring separate interfaces for each type.
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
Enhances dust protection, simplifies manufacturing by allowing efficient fiber processing and alignment, and ensures compatibility with different fiber optic cables, improving the reliability and versatility of fiber optic connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased mechanism for dust protection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to connector ports with shutters configured to inhibit dust intrusion by including peripheral regions that oppose undercut portions of the connector port when the shutter is closed. The present disclosure also relates to fiber optic connectors having latching configurations with double latches for retaining the fiber optic connectors in connector ports. The present disclosure also relates to a fiber optic connector including a plurality of stacked fiber carrier modules. The present disclosure also relates to a fiber optic connector including a connector body and a rear connector piece that is secured to the connector body by a snap-fit connection. The rear connector piece can be configured for attachment to a fiber optic cable. The rear connector piece can be secured to the connector body by a snap-fit connection. The rear connector piece can have a snap-fit interface compatible with a number of different styles or types of connector bodies to promote manufacturing efficiency.