Fiber Optic Adapter Shutter Door Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic adapter designs require multiple shutter doors per opening, making them cumbersome to operate and increasing component costs and labor, while also risking contamination of the ferrule during connector installation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adapter assembly with a single internally pivoting shutter door that acts as a latch, preventing debris entry and ferrule contact, and is designed to pivot inwardly upon connector insertion, using standoffs and latches to secure the connector without increasing adapter dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple shutter doors are used per adapter opening, then debris protection is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shutter door functions into a single shutter door that can pivot between closed and open positions. The single shutter door integrates the protective function that would otherwise require multiple separate doors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining debris protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shutter door serves multiple functions: it protects against debris when closed, allows connector insertion when opened by the ferrule, and can engage with latches to secure the connector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple shutter doors are used per adapter opening, then debris protection is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter door is designed to be automatically opened by the ferrule of the fiber optic connector during insertion. The ferrule contacts the shutter door and pivots it open without requiring the operator to manually operate multiple doors, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining protection when not in use.
3Ease of operation
If the shutter door is positioned to allow connector insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but ferrule contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ferrule from direct contact with the shutter door surface by providing a latch mechanism that engages with the connector body rather than the ferrule. The ferrule passes through the opening without touching the shutter door, which remains positioned to allow easy insertion while the latch provides the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the shutter door and the connector. Instead of the ferrule directly contacting and potentially contaminating the shutter door surface, the latch engages with the connector body to provide retention, separating the ferrule from potential contamination sources.
4Reliability
If the adapter dimensions are increased to accommodate retention mechanisms, then connector retention is improved, but adapter density worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is nested within the existing adapter structure, utilizing the space between the shutter door and the adapter body. The latch engages with the connector in this interstitial space without requiring significant increases in overall adapter dimensions, thereby maintaining adapter density while providing secure retention.
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 solution streamlines the operation of fiber optic adapters by eliminating the need for multiple shutter doors, reducing labor and costs, while ensuring effective debris prevention and secure connector retention, maintaining adapter density, and avoiding ferrule contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The shutter door is pivotally disposed in the space defined by the body and the alignment cap
Implementation Method 2
the at least one latch configured to engage and assist in retaining a fiber optic connector that is inserted through the at least one opening into the body
Implementation Method 3
the at least one standoff configured to assist in inhibiting a ferrule of a fiber optic connector from contacting the shutter door
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure is generally directed to a fiber optic adapter assembly for mating fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter includes a body, an alignment cap, and a shutter door. The alignment cap and the body together define a space with the shutter door pivotally disposed in the space for inhibiting debris from entering through the opening and into the body. The shutter door is configured to pivot inwardly when contacted by a fiber optic connector being inserted through the at least one opening and into the body. Additionally, the shutter door includes at least one standoff and at least one latch, wherein the latch is configured to engage and assist in retaining a fiber optic connector that is inserted into the fiber optic adapter assembly.