Optical Connector Ferrule Locking Mechanism for Vehicle Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical connectors in vehicles face issues with ferrule detachment due to vibrations and impacts, leading to poor optical communication.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a ferrule, protector, housing, and holder with a locking unit that includes a locking window and fixing hook, where the protector is fixed to the housing with a gap dimension smaller than the locking margin, preventing ferrule detachment and ensuring secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protector is not fixed to the housing, then the assembly is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the ferrule can detach from the housing under external forces such as vibration and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protector and housing into a single integrated structure where the protector is fixed to the housing. This merging ensures that the ferrule positioning function is maintained even under external forces like vibration and impact, as the protector and housing move together as one unit, preventing ferrule detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning features on the ferrule (such as positioning protrusions or keys) that engage with corresponding features in the housing before the connector is fully assembled. This preliminary action ensures the ferrule is correctly positioned and prevented from rotating or moving axially, maintaining reliable optical connection even when the connector is subjected to external forces during vehicle operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ferrule is not precisely positioned in the housing, then the assembly process is faster and simpler, but optical communication quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing precise positioning features (such as positioning protrusions, keys, or tapered surfaces) only at specific locations on the ferrule and housing where they are most needed for optical alignment. The rest of the connector structure maintains a simpler design for ease of assembly. This localized precision ensures high manufacturing precision where critical for optical communication while maintaining overall assembly efficiency.
3Reliability
If the locking unit has a large locking margin, then the ferrule is more securely held in position, but the gap between the protector and fixing hook increases reducing protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing multiple positioning features (such as positioning protrusions, keys, and retaining ribs) distributed at different locations on the ferrule and housing. Rather than relying on a single large locking margin, these multiple partial positioning features work together to securely hold the ferrule in position. This distributed approach maintains reliable locking while keeping the gap between the protector and fixing hook small enough to effectively protect the optical fiber bending portion from damage under external forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A protector (31) is fixed to a housing (51) in a state where a ferrule (21) on which the protector (31) is mounted is accommodated in a ferrule accommodation space (S) of the housing (51), and thus a release of a locking state by a locking window (58) and a fixing hook (63) is regulated.