Optical Attenuator Holder with Mounting Groove for Wire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical attenuators are prone to damage due to external forces when connectors are plugged or unplugged, causing unintended tension on the attenuating member, which can lead to wire damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical attenuator design featuring a holder with a mounting groove and protruding portions that maintain a fixed distance between male and female connectors, preventing direct force application on the attenuating wires, and a housing that protects the attenuating member from external exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the attenuating member is exposed to external environment for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the attenuating wires are vulnerable to damage from external forces during connector operations
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as an intermediary component between the male and female connectors, providing a protected pathway (mounting groove) for the attenuating member. This mediator structure allows the attenuating wires to pass through safely while being shielded from external forces applied during connector plugging and unplugging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder functions as a protective enclosure that confines the attenuating member within a defined space. By creating a physical barrier around the attenuating wires, the holder protects them from external mechanical forces while still allowing the optical signal to pass through.
2Reliability
If the holder maintains fixed distance between connectors to prevent wire damage, then reliability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the fixed distance between male and female connectors, provides a protective pathway for the attenuating member, and shields the attenuating wires from external forces. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving reliable protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical attenuator has a male connector, a female connector that is spaced apart from the male connector in a front-rear direction, a holder, and an attenuating member. The holder extends in the front-rear direction and has two opposite ends respectively connected to the male and female connectors. The holder is formed with a mounting groove which extends in the front-rear direction. The attenuating member extends through the mounting groove, and has two opposite ends respectively inserted into the male and female connectors.