Optical Fiber Polishing Fixture Clamping Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber polishing fixtures are inefficient due to complex clamping assemblies that require extensive operator manipulation and are prone to obstacles when replacing components, especially when handling SC connectors without the outer housing, leading to increased polishing time and potential need for fixture repair.
Innovation Solution
A clamping assembly with a spring member and lever mechanism that securely holds fiber optic connectors and cables by biasing base portions toward each other, allowing for easy locking and unlocking to facilitate precise polishing without the need for the outer housing, thereby reducing operator effort and fixture maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex clamping assemblies are used to hold connectors, then connector holding strength is improved, but operator manipulation complexity increases and polishing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is divided into modular components including a clamp body, connector holder, and positioning elements that can be independently adjusted and replaced. This segmentation allows the complex function of holding connectors with precise positioning to be achieved through coordinated simple components, reducing operator manipulation complexity while maintaining holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly incorporates adjustable and movable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different connector types and sizes. The positioning mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate various connector configurations, enabling strong holding capability while simplifying operator interaction through adaptive rather than fixed complex mechanisms.
2Strength
If complex clamping assemblies are used to hold connectors, then connector holding strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is divided into modular components including a clamp body, connector holder, and positioning elements that can be independently adjusted and replaced. This segmentation allows the complex function of holding connectors with precise positioning to be achieved through coordinated simple components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is designed with universal features that allow it to hold multiple types of connectors (SC, LC, FC, ST) using the same basic mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamping assemblies, achieving strong holding capability across different connector types through a single standardized design.
3Ease of operation
If standard fixture clips are used without outer housing, then ease of operation is improved, but connector rotation occurs and holding strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector holder incorporates localized positioning features and support surfaces that specifically address the rotation problem at critical locations. These localized quality enhancements provide anti-rotation capability and secure holding for connectors without outer housing, enabling easy loading while preventing connector rotation and maintaining holding strength.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex clamping assemblies are used, then connector positioning precision is improved, but ease of repair decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is divided into modular components including a clamp body, connector holder, and positioning elements that can be independently adjusted and replaced. This segmentation allows precise positioning functionality to be distributed across simple, standardized components that can be easily replaced or repaired individually, maintaining connector positioning precision while significantly improving ease of repair compared to integrated complex assemblies.
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 enhances the efficiency of optical fiber polishing by simplifying the connector loading and unloading process, reducing polishing time, and minimizing the need for fixture repairs, as the clamping assembly securely holds the connectors at the desired angle and depth without the outer housing.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member biases the first and second base portions toward one another
Data Source
AI summary
A method of connecting a ferrule to an optical fiber polishing fixture assembly comprises obtaining a fixture base to which a clamping assembly is operatively connected, positioning a lever in an unlocked position thereby creating a gap between first and second base portions, obtaining a fiber optic connector and cable assembly including a ferrule operatively connected to a cable, positioning the ferrule in a ferrule bore, and moving the lever from the unlocked position to a locked position thereby causing the first and second base portions to engage the fiber optic connector and cable assembly.