Optical Connector Housing Segmentation for Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connector devices experience increased insertion force and optical loss due to high friction and dimensional accuracy issues, leading to deviations in optical axes and higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector device incorporates a light guide member with plate-like and tubular portions, featuring engagement and fitting regulation structures that reduce the sliding area between housings, minimizing friction and maintaining optical axis alignment through precise dimension management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the inner housing is inserted into the hood portion with a large sliding area, then the dimensional accuracy is improved, but the friction increases leading to higher insertion force
Solution Approach 1:
The inner wall of the hood portion is segmented into multiple surfaces with different functions: a guide surface for initial insertion, a sliding surface for the locking mechanism, and a non-contact region. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized independently, reducing overall friction while maintaining dimensional accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the inner wall are given different surface qualities: the guide surface has high dimensional accuracy and smooth finish for precise alignment, while the sliding surface has reduced friction characteristics. This local differentiation reduces insertion force without compromising overall dimensional accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If high dimensional accuracy is required for the hood portion to suppress play, then the optical axis alignment is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hood portion is divided into regions requiring high precision (guide surface and engagement area) and regions where tolerance can be relaxed (non-contact sliding areas). This segmentation reduces the overall manufacturing cost by minimizing the area requiring high-precision machining while maintaining optical axis alignment through the critical surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
High dimensional accuracy is applied locally only where necessary for optical axis alignment and engagement, rather than uniformly across the entire hood portion. This localized precision approach reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the required optical performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sliding area between the inner housing and hood portion is increased, then the stability is improved, but the friction increases leading to optical loss
Solution Approach 1:
The contact interface is segmented into discrete engagement points rather than a continuous large sliding area. The locking mechanism engages at specific convex-concave interfaces that provide stability without creating extensive friction surfaces, thereby reducing optical loss while maintaining connector stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide member is introduced as an intermediary element between the connectors. This member protects the optical path from friction-generated debris and heat, reducing optical loss while the locking mechanism maintains connector stability through controlled engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical connector device (1) that comprises: a first optical connector (2) that has a first housing (6); and a second optical connector (3) that has a second housing (14) that has formed therein a fitting space (22) into which the first housing (6) can be fitted. Fitting regulation protrusions (52, 53, 59) are provided to an upper inner wall surface (46) and a lower inner wall surface (47) of the fitting space (22). Fitting regulation recesses (37, 39) are provided in an upper surface (32) and a lower surface (33) of the first housing (6). First fitting regulation parts (54, 60) are formed at tip end parts of the fitting regulation protrusions (52, 53, 59). Fitting slide surfaces (43, 66) are formed at the fitting regulation recesses (37, 39).