Optical Connector Guide Mechanism for Blind Mating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to accurately connect an optical connector to an adapter within a structural body without visual verification, as the adapter's secluded position makes it difficult to visually confirm the connection, potentially leading to damage or contamination of the connector.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a guide member with a first guide portion for rough positioning and a second guide portion for precise alignment, along with a ferrule that is received by a sleeve, allowing for accurate connection without visual checks by guiding the optical connector into the adapter's accommodating portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter is located in a secluded position apart from the wall surface, then the structural body can have better internal layout flexibility, but it becomes hard to visually check the connection between the optical connector and the adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member performs self-alignment and self-positioning functions through its geometric features (first guide portion for rough positioning, second guide portion for precise positioning). The system guides itself into the correct position without requiring external visual verification, making the connection process autonomous and reliable.
2Measurement precision
If visual check is required for connection, then connection accuracy can be confirmed, but the connection process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual inspection method (optical detection) with a mechanical guidance system. The guide member's geometric features mechanically ensure accurate positioning through physical constraints, substituting the need for visual verification with a passive mechanical alignment mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the optical connector is directly connected without guidance, then the connection process is simple, but the front end of the optical connector may be damaged or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member performs preliminary positioning actions before the actual connection occurs. The first guide portion performs rough positioning and the second guide portion performs precise positioning, preparing the optical connector for safe insertion into the adapter, preventing damage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the optical connector and the adapter. It provides a protective interface that guides the connector into the adapter, preventing direct harmful contact while ensuring proper alignment during the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a connector, a guide member to which an optical connector is fixed is provided with a first guide portion. The optical connector is provided with a second guide portion at a tip portion, in a mating direction, of a holding member thereof. The optical connector has a ferrule with a tip, and the tip is located between the first guide portion and the second guide portion in the mating direction. When the connector is connected to a structural body and before the optical connector reaches an accommodating portion, the first guide portion performs rough positioning of the optical connector with respect to the accommodating portion in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction. When the connector is connected to the structural body, the second guide portion guides the optical connector into the accommodating portion.