Optical Connector Clamp Member Screw Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing a tension member of an optical cable to an optical connector require adhesive and specialized curing equipment, making the process complex and prone to instability in adhesive strength.

Innovation Solution

A clamp member with a body part containing a fiber insertion hole and a hole for the tension member, anchored by anchoring screws that are buried in the body part, allowing for secure fixation without adhesives, and an intervening member such as a tubular sleeve to enhance anchoring force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is used to fix the tension member to the housing, then the fixation strength can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to requiring curing equipment and controlled curing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidcuring equipment and process control

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical fastening system (screw). The screw directly mechanically secures the tension member to the housing, eliminating the need for adhesive application, curing equipment, and process control, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fixation strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the adhesive and curing equipment from the fixation system. By using only the screw for mechanical fastening, the complex curing process and equipment are completely taken out of the system, simplifying both the device and manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used to fix the tension member to the housing, then the fixation can be achieved, but the manufacturing precision and reliability decrease due to instability in adhesive strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation process simplicityVSAvoidadhesive strength stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable chemical bonding (adhesive) with a reliable mechanical fastening system (screw). The mechanical screw connection provides consistent and predictable fixation strength, eliminating the variability and instability associated with adhesive curing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The screw structure is self-contained and self-explanatory, requiring no external curing equipment or controlled conditions. The mechanical fastening is inherently reliable and easy to manufacture, improving both ease of manufacture and reliability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10359581B2Clamp member, optical connector, and manufacturing method of optical connector

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 FUJIKURA LTD

AI summary

A clamp member includes: a body part that includes a fiber insertion hole where an optical fiber is inserted and a hole for tension member where a tension member is inserted; and an anchoring screw that fixes the tension member to the body part. The clamp member is fixed to an end of an optical cable that includes the optical fiber and the tension member, and the clamp member is fixed to and housed in an outer housing of an optical connector.