Fiber Optic Connector Strength Member Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of fiber optic connector assembly is labor-intensive and wasteful, requiring separate removal of strength member sheathings, which complicates the connectorization process and results in unnecessary material waste.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a cable lock and retention body with strength member engagement surfaces that mechanically secure the strength members, eliminating the need for additional components like crimp bands or epoxy, and allowing secure coupling without prior removal of the strength member jacket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conventional process of separately removing strength member sheathings is used, then the fiber optic cable can be connectorized, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable lock and retention body into a single integrated component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: securing the cable, retaining strength members, and guiding optical fibers. This merging eliminates the need for separate operations to remove strength member sheathings, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated component is designed with distinct functional zones: a cable lock portion for securing the cable, a retention body for holding strength members, and an optical fiber channel for guiding fibers. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with other operations, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If additional components like crimp bands or epoxy are used to couple the cable to the connector sub-assembly, then the cable can be securely retained, but the device complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cable lock, a retention body for strength members, and a structural support for the ferrule. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components like crimp bands or epoxy, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable cable retention through its engineered engagement surfaces and geometric features.
3Ease of manufacture
If the strength member jacket is removed prior to coupling, then the strength members can be directly secured, but material waste increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is pre-configured with engagement surfaces and geometric features that can directly receive and secure strength members with their jackets intact. This preliminary preparation of the retention structure eliminates the need for post-assembly jacket removal, simplifying the manufacturing process and preventing material waste while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a fiber optic connectors and sub-assemblies having a retention body for connectorizing a fiber optic cable along with fiber optic connectors and methods therefor. In one embodiment, the sub-assembly comprises a cable lock comprises a cable channel for receiving a fiber optic cable therethrough, and at least one strength member engagement surface. The retention body comprises an optical fiber channel for receiving an end portion of at least one optical fiber of the fiber optic cable therethrough, and at least one strength member engagement surface. The strength member engagement surfaces of the cable lock and the retention body are configured to cooperate with each other to receive and retain at least one strength member of the fiber optic cable. Other fiber optic connector sub-assemblies comprising a strength member securing element and an internal splitting feature for aiding the separation of strength members from fiber optic cables are also disclosed.