Optical Connector With Rotatable Shutter for Ferrule Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors face challenges in maintaining dustproof performance, as ferrule end surfaces are often exposed, leading to adhesion of foreign matters which require frequent cleaning, and existing shutters do not adequately address dustproofing.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a rotatable shutter mechanism with sealing members that seals the ferrule end surface during non-connection and automatically opens for optical coupling, using a linkage mechanism to rotate the shutter and expose the end surface during connection, while incorporating sealing members to prevent dust ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ferrule end surface is exposed for optical coupling, then optical connection is enabled, but dust and foreign matters adhere to the surface requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is pre-positioned to cover the ferrule end surface before connection. The sealing member is pre-installed to seal the gap between the shutter and ferrule. When connection is needed, the shutter automatically opens to expose the end surface, and when disconnected, it automatically closes to protect the surface, eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter acts as an intermediary component between the external environment and the ferrule end surface. It physically blocks dust and foreign matters from reaching the optical surface while allowing optical coupling when opened. The sealing member serves as a secondary intermediary to seal the gap between the shutter and ferrule, providing dual protection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter mechanism is added to protect the ferrule end surface, then dustproof performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is merged with the connector housing structure, and the sealing member is integrated into the shutter assembly. The linkage mechanism that operates the shutter is combined with the connection/disconnection movement of the connector, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is designed to automatically open when the connector is inserted and automatically close when disconnected, without requiring manual intervention or additional control systems. The sealing member self-seals the gap between the shutter and ferrule through elastic deformation, providing dustproof protection through self-actuating mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing members are added to seal the gap between shutter and ferrule, then dustproof performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is made of elastic material that can deform to conform to the gap between the shutter and ferrule. This flexibility compensates for variations in manufacturing precision, as the elastic sealing member can adapt to slight misalignments or surface irregularities while maintaining effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member's elastic properties allow it to change its physical state from a relaxed condition to a compressed sealing condition. When the shutter moves, the sealing member deforms elastically to maintain contact with both the shutter and ferrule surfaces, providing dustproof sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
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
Enhances dustproof performance by sealing the ferrule end surface during non-connection and ensuring optical coupling during connection, reducing the risk of foreign matter adhesion and facilitating easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first sealing member made of an elastic material, being in contact with the first member over a whole circumference of the first opening, the first sealing member also being in contact with the shutter part over the whole circumference of the first opening when the shutter part is in a closed state
Implementation Method 2
a second sealing member made of an elastic material, provided in a gap between the optical connection component and the first member, and being in contact with both an outside surface of the optical connection component and an inside surface of the first member over the whole circumference of the first member
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical connector having a shutter part is disclosed. The optical connector comprises an optical connection component configured to hold one or a plurality of optical fibers, and having a light incidence/emission end surface at one end in an connection direction; a first member having a cylindrical shape including a first opening and a second opening at a first end and a second end in the connection direction, respectively, the first member being movable in the connection direction with respect to the optical connection component inserted from the second opening; a second member having a shutter part that performs opening/closing of the first opening, the second member being attached to the first member in a state of being rotatable around a rotation axis intersecting with the connection direction; a first sealing member being in contact with the first member over a whole circumference of the first opening, the first sealing member also being in contact with the shutter part over the whole circumference of the first opening when the shutter part is in a closed state; a second sealing member being in contact with both an outside surface of the optical connection component and an inside surface of the first member over the whole circumference of the first member; and a linkage mechanism that rotates the second member in conjunction with movement of the first member along the connection direction with respect to the optical connection component.