Movable Head Cleaning Tool for Optical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools for optical connectors face difficulties in easily fitting to and properly pressing against the connecting end faces of optical connectors due to misalignment issues between the tool's housing and the connector's housing, especially in backplane and MPO-type connectors.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool design featuring a head unit that is movable with respect to a substrate, incorporating a floating mechanism to accommodate misalignment, and a stopper mechanism to prevent detachment, allowing for easy fitting and consistent pressure on the connector end faces, along with a drive unit for efficient reel operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning tool is designed with a fixed head unit relative to the substrate, then the structure is simple, but the tool cannot accommodate misalignment between the cleaning tool housing and the optical connector housing
Solution Approach 1:
The head unit is designed to be movable with respect to the substrate, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the head unit to adjust its position automatically to accommodate misalignment between the cleaning tool housing and the optical connector housing, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning tool housing and optical connector housing are precisely aligned, then the cleaning units are properly pressed against the end faces, but the fitting process becomes difficult due to floating mechanism in backplane connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The movable head unit compensates for misalignment automatically during the fitting process, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment. This dynamic adjustment capability makes the fitting process easier even when dealing with floating mechanisms in backplane connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The head unit self-adjusts its position relative to the substrate based on the actual alignment between the housings, without requiring external intervention or complex alignment procedures. This self-service capability simplifies the operation for the user.
3Ease of operation
If the head unit is made movable to accommodate misalignment, then the fitting becomes easier and alignment is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable head unit provides the necessary dynamics for easy fitting and alignment maintenance, while the patent keeps the complexity manageable by integrating the movement mechanism within the existing housing structure rather than adding separate complex systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning tool for an optical connector includes: a body part; a substrate to which the body part is fixed; and a head unit that includes: a head that presses a cleaning unit against the optical connector; and a head housing that houses the head. The head housing fits on a housing of the optical connector, and the head unit moves with respect to the substrate.