Fiber Optic Connector Splice Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber optic connectors with ferrule-terminated stubs and spliced fiber optic cables are prone to damage from bending or pulling due to weak splice points.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic connector assembly featuring a mechanical support, such as a concave elongate plate or bar, positioned adjacent to the splice point, combined with a flexible tube encasing the stub and cable, and a housing with strengthening strands and a threaded boot to enhance mechanical strength and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fiber optic stub is spliced to a fiber optic cable at a splice point, then the connector assembly is formed, but the splice point becomes weak and susceptible to damage from bending or pulling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength of splice pointVSAvoidsusceptibility to damage from bending or pulling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the mechanical support adjacent to the splice point before the fiber optic cable is fully assembled. The support structure is pre-placed to provide immediate protection and reinforcement to the vulnerable splice point, preventing damage from bending or pulling forces that may occur during subsequent handling or installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical support acts as an intermediary element between the fiber optic stub and the fiber optic cable. This support structure, comprising a concave inner surface that conforms to the outer surfaces of the components, mediates the mechanical stresses and provides a protective interface that strengthens the splice point without interfering with the optical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If mechanical support and flexible tube are added to protect the splice point, then the mechanical strength increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength of connector assemblyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical support serves multiple functions simultaneously: it strengthens the splice point, provides mechanical protection against bending and pulling, and maintains the alignment of the fiber optic components. The flexible tube also performs multiple roles by protecting the splice point while allowing for movement and stress relief. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible tube as a protective covering that encases the mechanical support and fiber optic components. This flexible shell provides protection against environmental factors and mechanical damage while maintaining flexibility to accommodate movement and stress without compromising the integrity of the splice point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10782489B2Fiber optic connector

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 BELDEN CANADA

AI summary

A fiber optic connector comprising a fusion assembly for strengthening a splice point. The fusion assembly comprises an elongate mechanical support positioned adjacent the splice point and snugly encased by a flexible tube. In one embodiment, a meltable adhesive in the form of a hollow tube is positioned over the splice point and the flexible tube comprises a heat shrinkable material. In another embodiment, the mechanical support is an elongate plate having a concave surface positioned adjacent the splice point and a C shaped cross section.