Funnel-Shaped Boot Fiber Optic Connector Strain Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors require separate components for bending and axial strain relief, increasing complexity and cost, and the risk of installation errors due to the need for multiple components and irreversible strain relief mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a funnel-shaped boot that serves multiple functions, including guiding optical fibers and acting as a buffer clamp, reducing the number of components and simplifying installation by integrating strain relief mechanisms into a single, reversible actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for bending strain relief and axial strain relief, then the connector can effectively relieve both types of strain, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bending strain relief boot and axial strain relief mechanism into a single integrated boot component. The boot includes a crimped portion that directly engages cable strength members, eliminating the need for separate axial strain relief components while maintaining both bending and axial strain relief functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated boot serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides bending strain relief through its flexible boot portion, axial strain relief through the crimped portion engaging strength members, and cable guidance through its structural configuration. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining comprehensive strain relief capability.
2Reliability
If irreversible axial strain relief mechanisms are used, then axial forces are effectively prevented from transferring to optical fibers, but installation errors cannot be corrected and require discarding the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The crimped portion of the boot provides a dynamic, reversible strain relief mechanism. The crimping can be undone and redone, allowing installers to correct installation errors without discarding the connector. This reversible mechanism maintains axial force protection while enabling correction of installation mistakes.
3Reliability
If multiple components are required for strain relief, then comprehensive strain relief can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boot and axial strain relief mechanism into a single component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive strain relief performance.
4Reliability
If separate axial strain relief mechanism is added, then axial force protection is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated boot combines axial strain relief functionality with the standard boot installation process. Installers perform a single installation action rather than multiple separate steps, reducing complexity and the potential for errors while maintaining axial force protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector comprises a connector body, a ferrule, and a boot. The ferrule has a rear portion supported within the connector body and a front portion extending beyond a front end of the connector body. The boot has a front portion within the connector body and a funnel-shaped portion that extends beyond a back end of the connector body. The funnel-shaped portion defines a boot back end. Additionally, the funnel-shaped portion includes a tapered passage on an interior of the boot and a lip on an exterior of the boot. The tapered passage and the lip are curved toward each other proximate the boot back end so that the funnel-shaped portion terminates with a rounded configuration.