Retractable Shroud Locking for Multi-Fiber Connector Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-fiber connectors lack effective mechanisms for protecting bare fiber ends and ensuring reliable alignment and coupling while maintaining ease of use and durability.
Innovation Solution
A bare fiber connection system featuring a pivotal locking member that locks and unlocks a retractable shroud, allowing optical fibers to extend or retract while being protected, and automatically pivots between positions for secure mating and unmating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable shroud is used to protect bare fiber ends, then fiber end protection is improved, but the complexity of the connector structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to move between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic structure provides fiber protection when needed while reducing structural complexity and enabling easier fiber access when the shroud is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates an automatic locking mechanism that engages the shroud in the extended position and releases it when mated with another connector. The system self-regulates the shroud position based on whether the connector is stored or in use, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the retractable shroud, then reliability of fiber protection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the shroud is in the extended position and automatically releases when the connector is mated with another connector. The system performs the locking and unlocking functions autonomously based on the connector's state, eliminating manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal locking member acts as an intermediary between the shroud and the connector body, mediating the locking and unlocking actions. It translates the mechanical interaction during mating into automatic shroud position changes without requiring direct manual manipulation of the shroud itself.
3Ease of operation
If the shroud is made retractable to facilitate fiber alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but the durability of the connector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud transitions from a static to a dynamic structure that can extend and retract. This controlled movement facilitates easy fiber alignment during mating while the robust mechanical design of the retractable mechanism maintains overall connector durability through repeated use cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: the fixed connector body and the retractable shroud. This segmentation allows the shroud to move independently for alignment purposes while the main connector body remains stable and durable, with the movement confined to a specific modular section.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a pivotal locking member is used instead of a fixed locking mechanism, then adaptability to connector positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to pivot between different angular positions rather than remaining fixed. This pivoting capability allows the locking member to adapt to different connector positions and orientations, providing versatility while the simple hinge-like mechanism avoids excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a bare fiber connection system that includes first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors that have a retractable shroud with a pivotal locking member mounted thereon. The pivotal locking member can be configured to lock the retractable shroud in an extended position. The pivotal locking member can be pivoted about a pivot point while remaining attached to the retractable shroud to unlock the retractable shroud such that the retractable shroud can move to a retracted position.