Optical Connector Plug Cover with Protrusions and Cutouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical connector designs face issues with contamination and difficulty in observing or cleaning the end surface, as well as challenges in protecting the front end surface and maintaining proper connection with the receptacle.

Innovation Solution

An optical connector plug with a cover member featuring protrusions and cutout portions for protection and easy observation, coupled with an elastic member in the receptacle to facilitate easy cleaning and secure connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connector member end surface protrudes relative to the body portion end surface to facilitate connection, then the connection operation is easier, but the end surface is more susceptible to contamination and scratches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection operationVSAvoidcontamination and scratches on end surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cap member is introduced as an intermediary protective element that covers the connector member's end surface when not in use. The cap member has an opening that allows the ferrule end surface to protrude for connection operations, while the cap itself protects the surface from contamination and scratches during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector structure is segmented into the connector member, cap member, and ferrule components. The cap member can be detached to allow access to the end surface for cleaning or connection, and reattached to provide protection. This segmentation allows the end surface to serve its connection function while being protected during non-operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the optical connector end surface is retracted inward relative to the housing end surface to protect it, then contamination is reduced, but observation and cleaning of the end surface become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination on end surfaceVSAvoidobservation and cleaning of end surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cap member serves as a removable intermediary that provides protection when attached and allows access when removed. The opening in the cap member is positioned to expose the ferrule end surface, enabling easy observation and cleaning operations while maintaining protection during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap member transitions between two states: attached (protective) and detached (accessible). This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between protection mode and operation mode, enabling the end surface to be protected during storage and easily accessed for observation and cleaning when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover member completely encloses the optical connector for protection, then the end surface is well-protected, but observation and cleaning operations become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of end surfaceVSAvoidobservation and cleaning of end surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member is segmented with a strategically positioned opening that exposes the ferrule end surface. This segmentation allows the majority of the connector to remain enclosed and protected while providing direct access to the critical end surface for observation and cleaning operations without requiring complete removal of the cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap member provides complete coverage and protection for most of the connector body, but has a localized opening specifically positioned at the end surface area. This local modification maintains overall protection while enabling access where needed, applying the principle of making different parts of the object have different functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively protects the front end surface, allows easy observation and cleaning, and ensures a secure and proper connection with the optical connector receptacle, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member is provided on an inner surface of the receiving portion, wherein the elastic member is configured to urge the cover member toward a direction opposite to the adapter in a state where the optical connector is coupled with the adapter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10197739B2Optical connector plug, receptacle for optical connector, and optical connector connection structure

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC OPTIFRONTIER INC

AI summary

An optical connector plug includes an optical connector having an optical fiber built therein, and a cover member receiving the optical connector therein. The cover member includes a set of protrusions provided to protrude forward relative to a front end surface of the optical connector. A set of cutout portions as space portions are provided between the set of protrusions, and the set of cutout portions are arranged at locations opposing each other around the optical connector.