Optical Connector Field Termination with Modular Collar and Backbone
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available optical connectors are not well-suited for field installations, requiring adhesives and skilled craftsmanship, and hybrid splice connectors are not compatible with standard formats, leading to potential assembly errors and fiber damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector with a housing, collar body, and backbone that securely retains the optical fiber, featuring a gripping mechanism, buffer clamp, and fiber boot to simplify field termination, along with an assembly tool for precise fiber insertion and secure mounting of the fiber cable, allowing for straightforward installation without adhesives or complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If commercially available optical connectors are used, then connector functionality is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to adhesive requirements and skilled craftsmanship needs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components including a connector body, collar body, backbone, and fiber boot that can be assembled in a standardized sequence, eliminating the need for adhesives and reducing installation complexity while maintaining connector functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The collar body is pre-assembled with the ferrule and buffer clamp mechanisms before field installation, allowing the installer to simply attach the pre-prepared collar body to the connector body without performing complex assembly steps or requiring adhesive application
2Ease of operation
If hybrid splice connectors are used, then field installation capability is improved, but assembly accuracy decreases due to multiple small pieces and orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a small number of large, easily handled components rather than multiple small pieces, with each component having obvious orientation features that guide correct assembly and reduce the chance of incorrect installation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (ferrule retention, buffer clamping, strength member securing) are combined into integrated components like the collar body that maintains obvious orientation throughout assembly, ensuring precision while enabling field installation
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard connector formats are used, then compatibility is achieved, but field installation capability deteriorates due to adhesive and polishing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body maintains standard external dimensions and mating interfaces for compatibility, while the internal components (collar body, backbone, fiber boot) are segmented to enable tool-free field installation without adhesives or polishing
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design integrates multiple functions into universal components that work across different cable types and connector formats, with the collar body serving as a universal interface between the connector body and fiber assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector for terminating a jacketed optical fiber cable comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle. The connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing, the collar body securing, at a first end, a ferrule. The collar body includes a gripping mechanism disposed in a second portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a buffer clamp configured within a third portion of the collar body, the buffer clamp configured to clamp at least a portion of a buffer cladding of the optical fiber upon actuation. The optical connector also includes a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing. The backbone includes a mounting structure surrounding a central bore at one end of the backbone, the mounting structure having at least one pocket region configured to receive a slit portion of the cable jacket. A fiber connector termination and assembly tool is also provided.