Optical Connector Shutter Layout to Suppress Dust Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors are susceptible to dust ingress due to shutters being inclined inward, allowing dust to adhere to their outer surfaces and potentially enter the connector.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector system features a first shutter that inclines outward upon connection, sandwiching adhering dust between itself and a second shutter, while guide parts regulate movement and alignment to prevent misalignment and dust entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shutter is pushed open by the optical connector serving as a counterpart, then the shutter opens to allow connection, but dust may adhere to the outer surface and enter the optical connector
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to incline outward toward the exterior of the optical connector instead of inward. This inversion of the opening direction prevents dust on the outer surface from being pushed into the connector interior, while still allowing the shutter to open for connection purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The outward inclination of the shutter converts the potentially harmful effect (dust on the surface) into a beneficial configuration where the dust remains on the exterior side and cannot enter the connector, transforming a risk into a protective feature
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
[Problem] To suppress entry of dust adhering to an outer surface of a shutter into an optical connector. [Solution] An optical connector system according to this disclosure includes: a first optical connector including a first shutter; and a second optical connector to be connected to the first optical connector. The first shutter is inclined toward the second optical connector by coming into contact with the second optical connector so that the first shutter is opened.