Optical Connector Axial Movable Members Light Blocking Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors, such as the F04-type, lack a mechanism to automatically exhibit functions like light blocking and cleaning when coupled to a connecting member, requiring separate operations and potentially complex structures.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector with first and second movable members that can be axially moved, featuring locking and unlocking mechanisms, and a functional portion for light blocking, cleaning, or filtering, which can be automatically activated upon coupling or decoupling, simplifying operations and eliminating the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate members are used for light blocking and cleaning functions, then these functions can be provided, but the structure becomes complicated and operations become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light blocking function and cleaning function into a single integrated member (the movable member with cleaning portion and light blocking portion). This merging eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining both functions. The movable member simultaneously performs light blocking when positioned in the rear and cleaning when positioned at the tip, resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it acts as a light blocking member when positioned in the rear part of the connector body, and as a cleaning member when moved to the tip part. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized components, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If separate operations are used for cleaning and connecting, then cleaning function can be provided, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is integrated into the connecting operation itself. When the connector is coupled to the adapter, the movable member is automatically positioned to perform cleaning action on the optical fiber end face before the actual optical connection is established. This preliminary cleaning action ensures reliability without requiring a separate cleaning operation, thereby simplifying the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-cleaning through its own structural design. The movable member with cleaning portion automatically engages with the optical fiber end face during the coupling process, enabling the connector to clean itself without external intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate cleaning operations or additional cleaning tools, improving ease of operation while maintaining cleaning reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light blocking mechanism is added to optical connector, then light blocking function is provided, but the structure of connecting member becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking function is merged with the movable member that also serves as a cleaning member. The same component that cleans the optical fiber end face also blocks light when positioned in the rear part of the connector body. This merging approach provides the light blocking function without requiring additional separate components in the connecting member, thereby avoiding structural complications.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector comprising: first and second movable members 7, 8 held on an optical connector body 6 to be axially movable in a longitudinal direction; locking means for locking the first and second movable members when the first movable member is located at a predetermined locking position in a tip part of the optical connector body, and integrally moving the first and second movable members; and unlocking means formed in the optical connector body 6, and including a locking acting portion which acts on the locking means when the first movable member is located rearwardly of a predetermined unlocking position in a rear part of the optical connector body, to unlock the first and second movable members, and which locks the first and second movable members when the first movable member is located forwardly of the unlocking position, and a second movable member hooking portion 10 for inhibiting rearward movement of the second movable member after the first and second movable members are unlocked, and wherein the second movable member has a functional portion having a predetermined function, and when the second movable member is located at a predetermined position in the optical connector body, the function acts on a ferrule 2 or an optical fiber 1 to fulfill the function.