Optical Connector Cover Inversion Prevents Ferrule Dust

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical connectors with dust covers face issues as they pivot inward, causing dust accumulation on the outer surface to fall onto the ferrule, leading to optical signal degradation during connection.

Innovation Solution

The optical connector design features a cover that moves from a closed to an open position with its outer surface continually facing away from the optical component, preventing dust from falling onto the ferrule, and may include a shield to block stray light and enhance protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the dust cover pivots inward to open position, then the connector can be engaged, but dust on the outer surface falls onto the ferrule causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector engagementVSAvoiddust contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional dust cover opening direction. Instead of pivoting inward toward the ferrule, the cover pivots outward away from the ferrule. This inversion ensures that dust accumulated on the outer surface does not fall onto the optical component during the opening operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of dust contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the cover to swing outward in the opposite direction before engagement occurs. This preliminary motion prevents dust from being deposited on the ferrule in advance, counteracting the harmful effect before it can occur during the connection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cover is moved to open position during connection, then ferrule is exposed for coupling, but dust accumulates on ferrule from cover surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule exposureVSAvoidoptical signal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the conventional cover opening direction so that the cover swings outward away from the ferrule instead of inward toward it. This allows the ferrule to be exposed for coupling while preventing dust from the cover surface from falling onto the ferrule, thereby maintaining optical signal quality without compromising adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If existing dust covers are forced inward during engagement, then connector coupling is achieved, but optical signal degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector coupling forceVSAvoidoptical signal transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the cover movement direction during engagement. Instead of forcing the cover inward toward the ferrule to achieve coupling, the cover is designed to swing outward away from the ferrule. This maintains the necessary coupling force while preventing optical signal degradation caused by dust contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10107970B2Optical connector

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 XYRATEX TECH LTD

AI summary

The invention provides an optical connector for coupling with a complementary optical connector and for supporting an optical component. The connector comprises a cover moveable between a first and second position. The cover may also comprise a moveable shield and biasing components. There is also provided an optical connector assembly comprising covers that sequentially open. A PCB comprising waveguides and an optical component sub-mount for integrating with the PCB is also presented.