Optical Conduit Connector Structure for Misalignment-Tolerant Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector structures for optical conduits are complex, cumbersome for testing, sensitive to coaxial alignment issues, and inefficient in blocking external light, making them unsuitable for effective connection and testing applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure with a conical receiving space and spherical end portion that allows for fault-tolerant alignment, using a single resilient element to maintain light blocking even with slight misalignments, and includes crimping devices for secure optical conduit attachment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conical contact surfaces are used to guide and align optical conduits, then alignment precision is improved, but the connector becomes sensitive to coaxial alignment and external light blocking is compromised when misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical contact surface instead of a conical one. The spherical end of the plug connector contacts the spherical recess in the receptacle, providing self-alignment through point contact. This curved surface geometry allows the connectors to automatically find their coaxial position during insertion, eliminating sensitivity to initial misalignment while maintaining precise alignment throughout the connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex guiding and housing arrangements are applied to block external light, then light blocking effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases making it cumbersome for testing purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a plug portion with spherical end, a receptacle with spherical recess, and a separate resilient light-blocking element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and suitable for testing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate resilient light-blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the spherical contact surfaces. This element specifically addresses light blocking without complicating the alignment mechanism, as it can be positioned to block external light paths independently of the spherical contact geometry.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical fibres are pressed inwards against each other to achieve light blocking, then light blocking is improved, but wear and tear of optical fibres increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient light-blocking element serves as an intermediary that performs the light-blocking function without requiring direct contact between optical fibres. This element can be made of soft, compliant material that blocks light while distributing mechanical stresses, thereby preventing wear and damage to the fragile optical fibres during connection and disconnection operations.
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 connector structure effectively secures optical conduits without damaging them, maintains light blocking, and is suitable for testing applications by tolerating minor alignment deviations, ensuring undisturbed signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a single resilient element to maintain light blocking even with slight misalignments
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a connector structure for connecting optical conduits comprising a first connector part (11) and a second connector part (21) connectible to each other, the first connector part (11) comprises a head unit comprising a head portion (18) arranged with a conical receiving space part (35), a connector housing element (22), and a first resilient element (26) in an inner space of the connector housing element (22), and a first conduit channel adapted for arranging a first optical conduit is formed in the first connector part (11), and the second connector part (21) comprises a second head portion (16) having a spherical end portion adapted for being circularly seated on the conical side wall (30) of the conical receiving space part (35) of the first head portion (18) of the first connector part (11) in case the first connector part (11) is connected to the second connector part (21), and a second conduit channel adapted for arranging a second optical conduit is formed in the second connector part (21). The invention is, furthermore, a crimping device for securing an optical conduit into a connector part, a push-out device for removing an optical conduit from a connector part, and a light blocking element for a connector part.