Optical Connector Guide Slot Mechanism for Safe Fiber Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors, such as LC, ST, FC, and SC, are not suitable for field installation, leading to a high risk of damage to fiber-optic cables during the installation process due to narrow inlets that can cause deformation of the contact and cover parts.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a contact part with a guide protrusion and guide slot mechanism that increases the vertical distance at the unlock region, allowing for secure insertion of the fiber-optic cable without damaging it, and minimizing deformation by removing the need for protrusion parts that secure the gap between the contact part and cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inlet of the contact groove is made narrow to hold the optical fiber, then the locking reliability of the contact part and cover is improved, but the risk of damage to the fiber-optic cable during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact groove inlet is segmented into two distinct regions: a narrow locking region for securing the optical fiber, and a wide insertion region for facilitating safe cable insertion. This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the contact groove inlet are given different geometric properties: the locking region has a narrow cross-section for secure holding, while the insertion region has a wide cross-section for damage-free cable insertion. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between locking reliability and installation safety.
2Stability of the object's composition
If protrusion parts are added to secure the gap between contact part and cover, then the structural stability is improved, but the complexity of the device and risk of deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion parts that were previously needed to secure the gap between the contact part and cover are completely removed. The gap securing function is instead achieved through the geometric design of the contact groove and holder, eliminating unnecessary components and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact groove and holder are designed to perform multiple functions: they simultaneously secure the optical fiber, maintain the gap between contact part and cover, and facilitate safe cable insertion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protrusion parts.
3Manufacturing precision
If the contact groove inlet is narrow for secure fiber holding, then the fiber positioning precision is improved, but the ease of operation during field installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact groove inlet is divided into a wide insertion region for easy cable insertion during field installation, and a narrow locking region for precise fiber positioning and secure holding. This segmentation allows operators to easily insert cables while ensuring precise fiber alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with a guide structure that preliminarily guides the cable into the correct position during insertion, making field installation easier. Once inserted, the narrow locking region automatically secures the fiber with high precision without requiring additional adjustment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector which includes a body including a contact part having a contact groove, a cover having an outer surface on which a protruding lock region is formed, a first insertion part formed on one side end portion of the contact part, and a second insertion part formed on the other side end portion of the contact part. A holder is inserted to be slidable onto the contact part and the cover. A guide protrusion is formed to protrude from each side surface of the cover. A guide slot concavely formed on each inner side surface of the holder in a longitudinal direction of the holder. The guide protrusion is inserted into and guided by the guide slot. The guide slot includes an unlock region in which a vertical distance from an inner upper surface of the holder to a contact point of the guide slot.