Optical Connector Cleaner With Deformable Nozzle for Capless Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of optical connector cleaning is hindered by the need to attach and detach a cap, affecting the working efficiency of the cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

An optical connector cleaning tool with a deformable tubular member that accommodates a cleaning shaft, allowing for capless cleaning of optical connectors in both single and adapter-attached states, featuring a deformable front end portion that expands to accommodate the ferrule and tubular part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cap is attached to the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool, then the optical connector plug can be directly cleaned, but the attaching and detaching of the cap reduces working efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capability for direct plugVSAvoidworking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cap component from the cleaning tool system, making the front end of the tubular member itself capable of direct contact with the optical connector plug without requiring a separate cap attachment. This eliminates the cap while maintaining the cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The front end of the tubular member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can directly clean the optical connector plug without a cap, and can also clean plugs attached to adapters. This universal design eliminates the need for different configurations or cap attachments for different cleaning scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the front end portion of the tubular member has a fixed inner diameter, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate both ferrules and tubular parts holding ferrules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation capabilityVSAvoidtubular member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front end portion of the tubular member is designed with a deformable inner diameter that can dynamically adjust its size. The front end portion can be elastically deformed to expand the inner diameter, enabling it to accommodate both smaller ferrules and larger tubular parts holding ferrules, thereby providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-size components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances cleaning efficiency by eliminating the need for cap attachment and detachment, ensuring effective cleaning regardless of the connector's state.

Implementation Method 1

the front end portion may be elastically deformed to expand the inner diameter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4703780A1Optical connector cleaning implement

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 FUJIKURA LTD

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Figure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

An optical connector cleaning tool 1 includes a cleaning shaft 10 that includes a pressing surface 111 and that holds a cleaning element 5 so that the cleaning element 5 is turned back at the pressing surface 111 that presses the cleaning element 5 against a connection end surface 111 of an optical connecter 80, and a guide nozzle 30 that accommodates the cleaning shaft 10. The guide nozzle 30 includes a front end portion 31 having an inner diameter that is deformable.