Lockable Optical Connector with Sealing and Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic networks are vulnerable to inefficiencies and reliability issues due to misalignment, contamination, and environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, vibration, and the ingress of dust, dirt, and moisture, which can compromise the secure connection between optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A lockable optical connector system featuring an adapter member, inner frame member, outer frame member, annular compression member, and lock member, which provides a secure coupling mechanism using bayonet attachment and sealing elements to prevent disengagement and contamination, while minimizing the likelihood of misalignment and damage to optical cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent disengagement and misalignment, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a lock member with locking arms that engage with locking surfaces on the connector body, and a separate sealing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member is positioned within the connector assembly such that its locking arms nest within recesses in the connector body. The sealing element is nested between the lock member and the connector body, creating a compact integrated structure that provides both locking and sealing functions without adding significant external complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing elements are added to prevent contamination from dust, dirt, and moisture, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the locking mechanism by positioning the sealing element in direct contact with the lock member. When the lock member engages with the connector body, it simultaneously compresses the sealing element against the connector body, creating an integrated locking and sealing action that prevents contamination without requiring a separate sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sealing element, such as an O-ring or gasket, is used to create a weather-proof and water-tight seal. The flexibility of this thin film allows it to conform to the mating surfaces and be compressed by the lock member to form an effective barrier against dust, dirt, and moisture ingress.
3Strength
If a robust locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed with movable locking arms that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The locking arms are spring-loaded or biased to automatically engage with the locking surfaces when the connector is mated, providing strong mechanical locking without requiring manual intervention. To disconnect, a simple actuating force moves the locking arms out of engagement, maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a lockable optical connector. The connector includes an adapter member, an inner frame member, an outer frame member, an annular compression member, and a lock member. The inner frame member non-rotatably couples to the adapter member. The outer frame member retains the coupling between the inner frame member and the adapter member and physically couples to the adapter member, to provide a first locking mechanism. The annular compression member is disposed proximate the outer frame member and the locking member couples to the external surface of the inner frame member, compressing the annular compression member against the outer frame member to provide a second locking mechanism. A sealing element may be disposed between the outer frame member and the adapter member and a sealing element may be disposed between the outer frame member and the inner frame member to provide a weather-proof and water-tight lockable optical connector.