Optical Connector Rotating Outer Housing for Fiber Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors face challenges in efficiently exposing and protecting the distal ends of optical fibers from contamination with dust and debris during connection, and in efficiently connecting multiple optical fibers simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design features a rear housing, inner housing, arm, and outer housing that allow linear and rotational movements, with a rotation guiding mechanism and cleaners on the outer housing to align and expose ferrules for connection while preventing contamination, enabling easy connection of multiple optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical connector uses a fixed housing structure to protect ferrules, then protection from contamination is improved, but the ability to expose and align ferrules for connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is designed to rotate relative to the inner housing about the center axis, transforming from a static protective structure to a dynamic system. This rotation allows the opening area to move between a covered position (protection) and an exposed position (alignment for connection), resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation guiding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the protective housing structure and the ferrule alignment requirement. It enables controlled rotational movement that exposes ferrules for connection while maintaining the protective enclosure, mediating between the conflicting needs of protection and accessibility
2Device complexity
If the optical connector uses a simple housing structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to enable both linear movement and rotation for connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple movement capabilities (linear movement along the center axis and rotation about the center axis) into a single integrated housing system. The outer housing simultaneously provides protection, enables linear movement for connection, and enables rotation for alignment, merging multiple functions into one structure rather than requiring separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The outer housing serves multiple functions: it protects the ferrules, enables linear movement for connection, enables rotation for alignment, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component performs multiple roles
3Productivity
If the optical connector exposes ferrules for connection, then connection efficiency is improved, but the risk of contamination from dust and debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation guiding mechanism is designed to align the opening area with the ferrules before actual connection occurs. This preliminary alignment action ensures that ferrules are exposed and positioned correctly for connection while minimizing the time they remain exposed, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining connection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism enables rapid exposure and alignment of ferrules, allowing the connection process to proceed quickly. By rushing through the exposure phase minimally and efficiently, the system maximizes connection speed while minimizing the window of vulnerability to contamination
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector is disclosed. The optical connector includes a rear housing, an inner housing, an arm and an outer housing. The inner housing includes at least one retaining hole to house a ferrule. The rear housing moves linearly with respect to the inner housing and rotates with respect to the inner housing. The arm moves linearly together with the rear housing with respect to the inner housing. The outer housing is disposed on an outer periphery of the inner housing so as to cover a front portion of the inner housing. The outer housing rotates with respect to the inner housing by a rotation guiding mechanism cooperating with the arm. The outer housing includes a forward wall covering the distal end of the inner housing. An opening area of the forward wall can be aligned with the retaining hole or a fiber exposure face of the ferrule when the outer housing is rotated with respect to the inner housing from an initial position to a connected position.