Optical Connector Ferrule Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors require multiple small parts for assembly, leading to increased production costs and difficulty in assembly due to their complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design that uses a ferrule with a body and collar portion, where the ferrule is inserted into a housing with a concave portion and a hook portion that elastically deforms to lock the collar, eliminating the need for separate parts for positioning and simplifying attachment to an optical cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple small parts (stop ring and plug frame) are used to position the ferrule, then the ferrule positioning is achieved, but the production cost rises and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function previously performed by separate stop ring and plug frame parts into a single integrated housing structure. The housing now incorporates both positioning features internally, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components while maintaining reliable ferrule positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, positions the ferrule through integrated features, and guides assembly. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized parts with a single universal component.
2Reliability
If multiple small parts (stop ring and plug frame) are used to position the ferrule, then the ferrule positioning is achieved, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple positioning parts into one integrated housing, the assembly process is simplified from assembling multiple small components to installing a single unified structure, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing's integrated design allows it to self-position and self-align during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning of multiple separate parts. The structure guides itself into the correct configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple small parts are used for ferrule positioning, then positioning functionality is provided, but production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
consolidating multiple parts into a single housing reduces the total component count, lowering material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly labor. The integrated design is more cost-effective to produce despite maintaining positioning reliability.
4Reliability
If a hook portion that elastically deforms is used to lock the collar portion, then the ferrule is securely positioned, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hook portion utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change, allowing it to transition between engaged and disengaged states. This elastic property enables secure locking without requiring additional mechanical components, as the material's physical state change provides the locking mechanism.
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 design reduces the number of parts required, lowers production costs, and facilitates easier assembly and attachment to optical cables by using a ferrule that is securely positioned within the housing.
Implementation Method 1
a hook portion for a ferrule, which can be elastically deformed, is provided in a protruding condition at an inner wall surface extending between an opening and a bottom surface of the concave portion for a ferrule in the housing, and the hook portion for a ferrule is elastically deformed and guides the collar portion toward the bottom surface side of the concave portion for a ferrule when the ferrule is introduced into the concave portion for a ferrule, and is elastically restored and locks the collar portion
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an optical connector that enables the reduction in the number of parts and can be easily attached to an optical cable, a concave portion 18 for a ferrule is formed in a plug housing 6, and a ferrule 3 is inserted from the side of a collar portion 10 into the concave portion 18 for a ferrule. A hook portion 28 for a ferrule is provided in a protruding condition inside the plug housing 6. The collar portion 10 is guided by the hook portion 28 for a ferrule, which has been elastically deformed, and moves toward a bottom surface 26 of the concave portion 18 for a ferrule. Where the collar portion 10 reaches a space between the bottom surface 26 and the hook portion 28 for a ferrule, the hook portion 28 for a ferrule is elastically restored. Therefore, even if the collar portion 10 tries to move toward an opening 24 of the concave portion 18 for a ferrule, the collar portion is locked by the hook portion 28 for a ferrule and the movement is inhibited. Thus, in the plug-type optical connector 1, the ferrule 3 can be positioned by inserting into the plug housing 6 and moving.