Reducing Fibre Optic Tube Connector With Air-Gap Impact Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibre optic cable tube connectors lack sufficient impact resistance and are prone to radial load transmission, which can lead to damage and leakage under impact.
Innovation Solution
The reducing fibre optic cable tube connector features first and second air gaps spaced axially by less than 1 mm, providing enhanced impact protection by limiting radial load transmission and incorporating an annular flange for a well-defined end stop and guide surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector uses a solid continuous structure to support inner sleeves, then structural strength is improved, but radial load transmission to fibre optic cable tubes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous support structure is segmented into discrete support elements arranged in a circular pattern. These segmented supports provide structural strength while creating air gaps that interrupt radial load transmission paths to the fibre optic cable tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a continuous uniform structure to a localized discrete pattern of support elements. Each support element is positioned to provide local structural reinforcement while the spaces between them locally interrupt load transmission paths, achieving different functional qualities in different spatial regions.
2Strength
If the connector body is made opaque for durability, then impact resistance is improved, but visibility of internal components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body material properties vary spatially: the main body structure uses opaque or translucent material for impact resistance, while specific regions (walls and surfaces) are made transparent or translucent to allow visibility of internal components and fibre optic cables.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the material between air gaps is made thick to prevent shear, then structural integrity is improved, but impact protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The material thickness is localized to specific regions: thin sacrificial material (0.5-2mm) is used between air gaps to allow shear and dissipate impact energy, while thicker material is used in regions requiring structural integrity and load bearing.
Data Source
AI summary
A reducing fibre optic cable tube connector with a plastic body having a connector at either end for connection to a respective tube. The body has a wide portion terminating at a wide end and a narrow portion terminating at a narrow end to receive tubes of a different diameters. The two portions meet at a central region of the body. Each portion includes an annular inner sleeve extending from the central region and spaced from an inner wall of the outer body to define an air gap. At the central region the annular sleeves extend toward one another so the first and second air gaps are axially spaced by less than 1 mm.