Optical Connector Adapter Lever for High-Fiber Fitting Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting a large number of optical fibers or ferrules through physical contact (PC) is challenging due to increased fitting loads, especially with ultra multi-core optical fibers, making manual insertion difficult.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection component featuring an adapter with a rotatable lever member and transfer mechanism that facilitates the optical connector's insertion and engagement by rotating about a central axis, allowing for easy connection and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual insertion is used to connect optical fibers, then connection flexibility is maintained, but fitting load increases significantly with large number of fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The lever member automatically pushes the optical connector into the adapter body through elastic deformation when rotated, eliminating the need for manual insertion force. The spring member stores and releases energy to drive the connector automatically into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever member transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that rotates and pushes the connector. The elastic deformation of the lever member allows it to adapt during the pushing process, providing continuous force throughout the insertion motion.
2Productivity
If traditional adapter structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but connection efficiency decreases with increased fiber quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The lever member combines multiple functions: it serves as both the insertion drive mechanism and the positioning element. The spring member integrates the elastic deformation function with the pushing function, reducing the need for separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever member's rotational motion is converted to linear pushing motion through elastic deformation, creating a dynamic connection process that efficiently handles multiple fibers simultaneously without requiring complex automated systems.
3Volume of moving object
If optical connector is miniaturized, then connection density increases, but fitting load becomes more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member automatically compensates for the increased fitting load of miniaturized connectors through elastic deformation, storing energy during compression and releasing it to push the connector into the adapter body without requiring external force.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever member's elastic deformation allows it to dynamically adapt to the varying forces required for miniaturized connectors, providing the necessary pushing force while accommodating the reduced size and increased density of the optical fibers.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection component according to one embodiment comprises: an adapter to which an optical connector that has a ferrule holding an optical fiber is connected; and a lever member which is attached to the adapter rotatably about a central axis that extends along a first direction intersecting with the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. The adapter has a latch with which the optical connector that moves along the optical axis direction engages. The lever member has a movement mechanism which rotates about the central axis toward the optical connector so as to cause the optical connector to move along the optical axis direction.