Optical Connector Adaptor Shutter with Elastic Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of manufacturing and assembly processes for optical adaptors with built-in shutter members is increased due to precise component sizing and assembly difficulties, leading to inefficiencies in the manufacturing yield and process control.
Innovation Solution
An optical adaptor with a movable shutter and elastic member, featuring a step structure and embedded elastic member through insert molding, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes by maintaining a gap between the shutter and optical connector, reducing contact and assembly challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recess-shaped clearance is disposed on the shutter plate to allow the coupling sleeve to push away the shutter plate, then the shutter function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly is divided into two separate components: the shutter plate and the coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve is integrated into the connector housing, while the shutter plate remains as a separate movable component. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex recess-shaped clearances on the shutter plate, as the coupling sleeve independently performs the pushing function without requiring precise contour integration with the shutter plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing function previously integrated into the shutter plate (through recess-shaped clearances) is extracted and transferred to the coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve is designed with an elastic member that enables it to push the shutter plate open without requiring any complex recess structures on the shutter plate itself, thereby simplifying its manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If the shutter plate is assembled to the bottom wall through a leaf spring, then the shutter can be pushed away, but the assembly process becomes difficult due to smaller component size
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member function previously separate (leaf spring) is merged with the coupling sleeve structure. The coupling sleeve is designed as an integrated elastic component that combines both the pushing mechanism and the shutter actuation function, eliminating the need for separate assembly of leaf springs and reducing the number of small components that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling sleeve employs an asymmetric elastic deformation design where the wall thickness varies strategically - thinner at the pushing portion to enable elastic deformation, and thicker at other portions for structural strength. This asymmetric design allows the single-piece coupling sleeve to perform multiple functions without requiring complex assembly of multiple small parts.
3Volume of stationary object
If the shutter plate has a smaller size with recess-shaped clearance, then the enclosed structure is achieved, but the molding process becomes sensitive and yield control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed structure is achieved through segmentation rather than through complex features on the shutter plate. The coupling sleeve is integrated into the connector housing to form one enclosed portion, while the adapter housing forms another enclosed portion. This segmentation allows each component to be molded independently with simpler geometries, improving molding yield while maintaining the enclosed protective structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The simplified structure reduces manufacturing complexity, enhances manufacturing yield, and improves assembly efficiency by maintaining a gap between the optical connector and shutter, while maintaining the protective function of the shutter.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is disposed in the body and is located on a moving path of the shutter. The shutter deforms the elastic member when the optical connector pushes away the shutter, and the elastic member drives the shutter to be restored when the optical connector leaves the receiving space.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An adaptor (100) with a built-in shutter (120) member for optical connector (300) including a body (110), a shutter (120), and an elastic member (130) is provided. The body (110) has a receiving space (111). The shutter (120) is movably assembled to the body (110) to shield or expose the receiving space (111). An optical connector (300) is suited for pushing away the shutter (120) to enter the receiving space (111) to be connected to the body (110). The shutter (120) has a step structure such that a gap is maintained between the shutter (120) and the optical connector (300). The elastic member (130) is disposed in the body (110) and located on a moving path of the shutter (120). The shutter (120) deforms the elastic member (130) when the optical connector (300) pushes away the shutter (120), and the elastic member (130) drives the shutter (120) to be restored when the optical connector (300) leaves the receiving space (111).