Optical Connector Movable Cleaning Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical connectors used in data transmission systems are prone to contamination, which reduces connection bandwidth due to dirt and other contaminants on the mating surfaces, and current manual cleaning methods are inefficient and difficult to implement, especially when the connectors are enclosed.
Innovation Solution
A female optical connector with a movable cleaning element comprising a microfiber cloth wipe panel and a spring flap, integrated within the connector sleeve, that automatically cleans the mating surface of a male optical connector during connection, ensuring effective dirt removal without obstructing the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is designed to automatically clean the mating surface of the optical connector during the connection process itself. The cleaning element includes a cleaning surface that contacts the mating surface and moves across it as the connector is inserted, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the cleaning process as easy as plugging in the connector while maintaining effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element performs the cleaning action before the optical fibers make contact. As the connector is inserted, the cleaning surface contacts and cleans the mating surface of the other connector first, then the optical fibers engage. This preliminary cleaning action ensures that the surfaces are clean before data transmission begins, improving reliability without requiring post-connection cleaning operations.
2Reliability
If cleaning element is added to connector, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is integrated into the connector assembly, merging the cleaning function with the connection function into a single unified device. The cleaning element includes a cleaning surface, support structure, and positioning features that are all combined within the connector housing. This merging approach improves cleaning effectiveness while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding separate standalone cleaning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to move across the mating surface during the connection process. The cleaning surface can translate or rotate as the connector is inserted, enabling effective cleaning of the entire mating surface. This dynamic design achieves thorough cleaning without requiring a complex fixed multi-component system.
3Reliability
If frequent cleaning is performed, then connection reliability is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning action occurs continuously during the connection process itself, rather than requiring separate discrete cleaning operations. As the connector is inserted and mated, the cleaning element continuously contacts and cleans the mating surface throughout the insertion process. This continuous cleaning action maintains connection reliability while eliminating the need for separate cleaning time, effectively reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs its own cleaning function during the connection process, eliminating the need for external cleaning operations. The cleaning element within the connector assembly automatically cleans the mating surface as the connector is inserted, making the cleaning process as fast and simple as the connection itself. This self-service approach maintains reliability without adding time consumption for separate cleaning tasks.
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
This solution reduces the need for frequent cleaning and minimizes optical signal loss by effectively removing contaminants, ensuring consistent data transmission and reducing the risk of connector damage from hard contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a movable cleaning element comprising a microfiber cloth wipe panel and a spring flap, integrated within the connector sleeve, that automatically cleans the mating surface
Implementation Method 2
a movable cleaning element comprising a microfiber cloth wipe panel and a spring flap
Data Source
AI summary
Examples include an optical connector with a movable cleaning element that comprises a connector sleeve and an optical ferrule located at a rear of the connector sleeve. Some examples comprise a cleaning element located within the connector sleeve, said cleaning element comprising a wipe panel to clean an end of an optical ferrule of a male optical connector when mated with the female optical connector and a spring flap to couple the wipe panel to the connector sleeve. Some examples comprise channels, located in the connector sleeve, and protrusions, located in the wipe panel, that engage into the channels such that the wipe panel is movable along the channels between a cleaning position in which the wipe panel is positioned perpendicular to the optical ferrule of the male optical connector and a resting position in which the wipe panel allows connection of the ferrules of the male and female optical connectors.