Optical Connector Sheath Fixing via Merged Housing and Nested Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors fail to securely fix the sheath of optical fiber cords without increasing the connector size, leading to potential detachment during pulling and complicating high-density arrangements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcing metal plate within the splice protection sleeve and a fixing member with recesses and screws to securely attach the sheath of the optical fiber cord, along with a ferrule member and spacer for precise alignment and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a structure for fixing the sheath of the optical fiber cord is provided, then the sheath can be securely fixed, but the size of the optical connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is merged with the rear housing to form an integrated structure. The fixing member includes a clamping portion that extends from the rear housing, combining the housing and fixing function into one component. This eliminates the need for a separate fixing structure that would increase the connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping portion of the fixing member is inserted into the recess of the rear housing, creating a nested arrangement. The fixing member is positioned within the housing structure, utilizing the existing space without adding external dimensions to the connector.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a plurality of rod-shaped reinforcements are provided in the reinforcement sleeve, then warping is prevented, but the size of the reinforcement sleeve increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple rod-shaped reinforcements, the patent divides the reinforcement function into two parts: a ring-shaped reinforcement that provides circumferential support, and a cross-shaped reinforcement that provides radial support. This segmentation allows each reinforcement to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure uses asymmetric shapes (ring-shaped and cross-shaped) rather than multiple identical rod-shaped reinforcements. The cross-shaped reinforcement has four arms extending in different directions, providing uniform support while using material more efficiently than multiple rods would require.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spacer equivalent to a pin clamp is provided in a female-type optical connector, then coordination with male-type connector operation characteristics is achieved, but positioning of the ferrule body and spacer becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer includes positioning protrusions that act as intermediaries to engage with corresponding positioning recesses in the ferrule body. This intermediary mechanism provides precise positioning guidance during assembly, making it easier to correctly position the spacer relative to the ferrule body while maintaining compatibility with male-type connectors.
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
Enables secure fixation of the optical fiber cord sheath without enlarging the connector size, allowing for high-density arrangements of optical connectors while preventing warping and ensuring reliable connection.
Implementation Method 1
a heat shrinkable tube 17 having an ellipse-shaped cross-section
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
An optical connector 1 A to which an optical fiber cord including an optical fiber ribbon and a sheath is to be attached includes: a ferrule member 6 holding a plurality of embedded fibers 14 which are to be fusion-spliced respectively to a plurality of optical fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon; a fusion splice protection sleeve 16 for protecting the fusion-spliced portion; housings 7 and 8 for housing the ferrule member 6 and the fusion splice protection sleeve 16, the housings 7 and 8 having, at the rear end, a recess for receiving a bifurcated portion of the sheath; and a fixing member 9 for fixing the sheath to the housings 7 and 8 by holding it.