Fiber Optic Connector Plug With Automatic Shutter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber optic connector plugs require manual inspection and cleaning of ferrules before insertion, which is time-consuming and exposes the ferrule to damage and contaminants during handling.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic connector plug design featuring a housing with a pivotable and translational shutter that automatically covers and uncovers the ferrule when inserted into and removed from an adapter, eliminating the need for a separate ferrule cover and allowing protection during handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a ferrule cover is used to protect the ferrule during storage and handling, then the ferrule is protected from damage and contaminants, but the ferrule must still be manually uncovered and inspected by a technician before insertion into an adapter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damage and contaminantsVSAvoidmanual inspection and cleaning steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism automatically opens when the connector plug is inserted into the adapter and automatically closes when removed, eliminating the need for manual opening/closing operations. The system serves itself by using the insertion/removal motion to trigger the shutter state changes, thereby protecting the ferrule without requiring technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter is pre-positioned in a closed protective state before insertion, and the system is designed so that the act of insertion itself triggers the opening action. This preliminary positioning ensures protection is already in place before handling begins, and the transition to open state occurs automatically during the insertion process rather than requiring a separate manual step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual inspection and cleaning of the ferrule is performed before insertion, then the ferrule is ensured to be clean and free of contaminants, but the process is time-consuming and requires trained technicians

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule cleanlinessVSAvoidinspection and cleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism automatically protects the ferrule throughout the entire handling and insertion process, eliminating the need for manual inspection and cleaning steps. The system maintains ferrule cleanliness through continuous automatic protection rather than requiring intermediate manual intervention by trained technicians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the ferrule remains uncovered between removal of the ferrule cover and insertion into the adapter, then the technician can inspect the ferrule, but the ferrule is susceptible to damage and contaminants during this period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidsusceptibility to damage and contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter automatically opens only when the connector plug is being inserted into the adapter, providing inspection capability exactly when needed while maintaining protection at all other times. The system self-regulates the exposed state based on the insertion event, eliminating the vulnerable intermediate period where the ferrule would be uncovered during manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate ferrule cover is used, then the ferrule is protected during storage, but an additional component increases device complexity and requires manual removal before use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during storageVSAvoidadditional ferrule cover component

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shutter is merged with the connector plug housing as an integrated component rather than being a separate removable cover. This combination eliminates the need for a distinct ferrule cover piece while maintaining protection functionality, thereby reducing overall device complexity and eliminating manual removal steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter transitions from a static protective cover to a dynamic component that automatically opens and closes based on insertion events. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining protection, reducing complexity by removing the requirement for separate cover removal and attachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11835774B2Fiber optic connector plug and associated cable systems, cable assemblies, and method

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 AMPHENOL CORP

AI summary

A fiber optic connector plug includes a housing. The housing includes a central axis, opposing lateral sides and a top side extending between the opposing lateral sides, and an interior channel, extending through the housing, in a direction parallel to the central axis, from a first end portion of the housing to a second end portion of the housing. The housing also includes a latch, coupled to the housing at the top side. The housing further includes a ferrule, extending from the first end portion of the housing. The housing additionally includes a shutter, coupled to the first end portion of the housing such that the shutter is pivotable and translationally slidable, relative to the first end portion of the housing, between a closed position, in which the shutter covers the ferrule, and an open position, in which the shutter does not cover the ferrule.