Flameproof Optical Fiber Connection Assembly Spark Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connectors pose safety risks in hazardous environments due to the potential for sparks to ignite flammable substances, and existing flameproof solutions often require cladding and coating that limit bending angles and make fiber replacement difficult.
Innovation Solution
A flameproof optical fiber connection assembly with optical fiber passages of specific inner diameters, designed to prevent sparks and flames, and using a combination of tube members and receiving members to create multiple passages without the need for casting-compound or flame retardant resin, allowing for higher bending angles and easier fiber replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used in hazardous areas, then electrical connection is achieved, but sparks may ignite flammable substances causing fire or explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical connectors with optical fiber connectors that transmit data optically rather than electrically. The optical fiber connection unit includes optical fiber passages through which optical fibers pass, eliminating electrical contacts and spark generation entirely while maintaining connection functionality in hazardous areas.
2Reliability
If flameproof optical fiber connection assemblies with casting-compound are used, then flameproof protection is achieved, but the optical fiber cladding and coating limit bending angles and make fiber replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the casting-compound entirely from the optical fiber connection unit, extracting only the essential flameproof protection function. Instead, it uses a simple structure with optical fiber passages of specific inner diameters (4-12 passages) that inherently prevent flame propagation while allowing optical fibers to bend freely and be easily replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the critical parameter of passage inner diameter to a specific range that prevents flame propagation while accommodating optical fiber bending. The optical fiber passages have inner diameters sized to prevent flames or sparks from traveling through while allowing a single optical fiber to pass, enabling higher bending angles without requiring protective cladding or coating.
3Reliability
If optical fiber passages with small inner diameter are used to prevent spark propagation, then flameproof safety is achieved, but multiple passages increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fiber passages (4-12 passages) into a single integrated optical fiber connection unit structure. The tube members and tube receiving member form a unified assembly where multiple passages coexist without increasing overall device complexity, as they are incorporated into the same structural framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flameproof optical fiber connection assembly (100) for use in areas at risk of explosion is disclosed. The flameproof optical fiber connection assembly (100) comprises a first connector (110) having a first optical fiber inlet (131) and a first optical fiber outlet (132); a second connector (120) having a second optical fiber inlet (161) and a second optical fiber outlet (160); and a casting-compound free optical fiber connection unit (210) interconnected between the first connector (110) and the second connector (120) and including at least one optical fiber passage (240) for passing therethrough an optical fiber (250) connected to the first optical fiber outlet (132) and the second optical fiber inlet (161), wherein the at least one optical fiber passage (240) includes an inner diameter sized to prevent flames or sparks from travelling through the passage (240).