Optical Fiber Connector Tail Sleeve for Dense MPO Unplugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MPO-type multi-optical fiber connectors are difficult to disengage in high-density environments due to their close arrangement, making it inconvenient to perform plugging and unplugging operations without risking component damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber connector design featuring a tail sleeve that extends from the housing end, engaging with a securing member to form a linked structure, allowing force application at a distal location for smooth plugging and unplugging, reducing the risk of component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If connectors are closely arranged in high-density environments, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing containing the ferrule and optical fibers, a securing member for fixation, and a tail sleeve extending from the housing end. This segmentation allows the tail sleeve to serve as an accessible handle for disengagement while the housing remains compact for dense arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tail sleeve acts as an intermediary element that extends from the housing to provide a convenient gripping location. It mediates between the compact housing structure and the user's hand, enabling easy disengagement without requiring access to the housing end where the optical fibers are located.
2Ease of operation
If pull handles are installed on optical fiber connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tail sleeve is merged with the housing and securing member structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate addition. The tail sleeve's second securing portion engages with the first securing portion of the securing member, combining the functions of structural support, fixation, and operational handle into a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tail sleeve serves multiple functions: it extends from the housing to provide a gripping location, engages with the securing member to transmit force, and protects the optical fiber extending from the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Reliability
If the tail sleeve and securing member form a linked structure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tail sleeve is sheathed onto the exterior of the housing from the second end, nesting over the optical fiber and housing. The securing member is sheathed onto the housing, and the tail sleeve's second securing portion engages with the first securing portion, creating a nested, linked structure that protects internal components while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member and tail sleeve are pre-assembled with engaging portions that lock together before the connector is inserted into the adapter. This preliminary linkage ensures that when force is applied to the tail sleeve, the entire assembly moves as a unified structure, preventing component damage during plugging and unplugging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a housing, a ferrule assembled into the housing, a securing member, and a tail sleeve. At least one optical fiber is fixed into the ferrule, and a portion of the ferrule extends from a first end of the housing. One end of the optical fiber, distal from the ferrule, extends from a second end of the housing, and the first end and the second end are opposite ends. The tail sleeve is sheathed onto an exterior of the housing and has a first securing portion. The tail sleeve is sheathed onto the housing from the second end to cover the second end and the optical fiber extending from the second end. The tail sleeve has a second securing portion secured to the first securing portion and thus is forced to drive the securing member to pull the optical fiber connector out of an adapter.