Optical Connector Cleaning With Type-Based Pressing Force Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector cleaning methods struggle to maintain a consistent pressing force against the coupling end face, leading to inadequate cleaning or damage due to varying operator pressures, especially with multicore and single-core connectors having different end face areas.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector cleaning device with a strip-shaped cleaning element, a pressing mechanism using elastic bodies, and a sensor mechanism to adjust the pressing force based on the connector type, ensuring a predetermined range is maintained through attachments and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a strip-shaped cleaning element is used, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the pressing force consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is divided into multiple independent pressing sections, each capable of applying force independently to different regions of the end face. This segmentation allows each section to maintain consistent pressing force despite variations in the overall end face area, whether for single-core or multicore connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing mechanism employs elastic bodies that can dynamically adjust the pressing force based on the specific connector type and end face area. The elastic properties allow the system to adapt to different cleaning requirements while maintaining optimal force application across the cleaning element surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If a predetermined pressing force is applied, then the cleaning consistency is improved, but the adaptability to different connector types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism uses elastic bodies that can dynamically adjust the pressing force based on the specific connector type and end face area. The elastic properties allow the system to adapt to different cleaning requirements while maintaining optimal force application across the cleaning element surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressing force parameter adaptively based on the detected connector type. By modifying the elastic body deformation amount or spring constant, the system can provide appropriate pressing force for both single-core and multicore connectors, achieving both consistency and adaptability.
3Device complexity
If a fixed pressing mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic bodies in the pressing mechanism automatically adjust and regulate the pressing force without requiring external control systems. The elastic properties enable self-regulation of force application, maintaining cleaning precision while avoiding the complexity of active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force control systems with elastic mechanical elements that inherently provide force regulation. The elastic bodies substitute for sophisticated mechanical actuators, achieving precise force control through material properties rather than complex mechanical design.
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
The device ensures appropriate cleaning of optical connectors by adjusting the pressing force according to the connector type, effectively removing dirt without damaging the cleaning element or the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing mechanism formed by an elastic body configured to press the pad toward an end face of the optical connector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector cleaning device includes a strip-shaped cleaning element, a supply reel around which the cleaning element is wound, and a winding reel configured to wind up the cleaning element. The optical connector cleaning device also includes a pad, and a pressing mechanism. The optical connector cleaning device also includes an attachment arranged in an opening formed in a housing and configured to mechanically determine an amount of insertion of the pad pressed in by an end face of an optical connector such that a pressing that the end face of the optical connector receives from the pad falls within a predetermined range in accordance with a type of the optical connector. The optical connector cleaning device also includes a sensor mechanism configured to detect that a displacement of the pad is set in a state in which a predetermined pressing according to the type of the inserted optical connector is generated.