Grooved Fiber Optic Connector Cleaning Surfaces for Multi-Format Wipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic cleaning devices are inadequate for efficiently cleaning a wide variety of fiber optic connectors with different structures and requirements, often leaving residue and failing to effectively clean all connector parts, including end faces, ferrules, and chamfers.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a container featuring discrete soft work surfaces of varying widths and gaps, accommodating different connector types, and equipped with non-linting cleaning wipes that can be easily replaced, allowing for thorough cleaning of end faces, ferrules, and other connector parts without residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cleaning device is used for all connector types, then device versatility is improved, but cleaning effectiveness for specific connector types may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into multiple discrete work surfaces of varying widths and configurations, each optimized for specific connector types. This segmentation allows the single device to effectively clean different connector types (SC, LC, APC, etc.) by selecting the appropriate work surface, resolving the contradiction between versatility and cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device achieves universality by incorporating multiple work surfaces with different width configurations that can accommodate various connector types. The device performs multiple cleaning functions within a single unit, eliminating the need for separate cleaning devices for different connector types while maintaining cleaning effectiveness for each specific type.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning devices are carried for different connector types, then cleaning effectiveness for each type is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning devices for different connector types are merged into a single integrated cleaning device. The device combines multiple work surfaces with different configurations in one unit, allowing users to clean various connector types without carrying multiple separate devices, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed as a universal tool that can clean multiple connector types through its varied work surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for maintaining a collection of specialized cleaning devices, reducing portability burden and device complexity while preserving cleaning effectiveness for each connector type.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but cleaning thoroughness and residue elimination are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Different work surfaces are provided with locally optimized characteristics matched to specific connector types and contamination levels. Each work surface area has tailored properties (width, material, configuration) that enhance cleaning thoroughness for its intended application while maintaining overall operational simplicity through a consistent device structure and wipe mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for cleaning multiple types of fiber optic connectors includes a container having an opening in a face formed in a side of the container and a plurality of discrete soft, work surfaces on a face of the container. The surfaces are configured as a pair of outwardly disposed surfaces having a width and a pair of inwardly disposed surfaces having a width that is less than the width of the outwardly disposed surfaces. The surface are parallel to each other. Gaps are disposed between each of the adjacent work surfaces. Each of the gaps has a width. A plurality of cleaning wipes are located inside the container. The wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic connector. The wipes provide indication that they have been used.