Ingress Protected Connector with Integrated Plug Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connectors are vulnerable to moisture and debris ingress, leading to performance degradation and connection failures in outdoor environments due to inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
An ingress-protected, outdoor-rated connector with a ruggedized design featuring a movable outer coupling nut, integrated optical connector plug frame, and environmental seals, including O-rings and a double flanged ferrule assembly, to prevent contamination and ensure secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiber optic connectors are used, then the connection assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connector is vulnerable to moisture and debris ingress leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector body and plug frame into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate connector housings and reducing the number of assembly steps. This merging of components maintains ingress protection while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates environmental seals against moisture and debris, and integrates the optical alignment features. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable protection
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional fiber optic connectors are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the connector requires precise termination and alignment that is disrupted by fluid or solid contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates pre-installed seals and protective features during manufacturing that prevent contaminants from reaching the precision termination areas. By establishing protection before deployment, the manufacturing precision is preserved without requiring complex post-manufacturing protection measures
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector design includes pre-configured alignment features and sealing surfaces that are built-in during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the connector is deployed, the precision alignment is already protected against environmental contaminants without requiring additional field assembly steps
3Reliability
If conventional fiber optic connectors are used, then the connection assembly has fewer parts, but it cannot provide an adequate seal to prevent ingress of unwanted fluids or solid contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the plug frame directly into the connector body, eliminating separate housing components. This merging maintains a reduced part count while incorporating effective sealing surfaces and O-ring locations that provide adequate protection against fluid and solid contaminant ingress
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor rated ingress protected ruggedize connector with molded inner body configured with a plug frame to accept a ferrule. A ferrule assembly has a flange that accepts one or more alignment members formed as part of the inner body. The alignment members and align the ferrule assembly under the force of a bias spring supported by a spring push integrated into a back body.