Optical Connector Shutter Miniaturization via Parallel Coil Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors face challenges in miniaturization due to the tandem arrangement of the movable portion and spring, which increases the overall length of the connector housing, making it difficult to reduce size effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a housing with a Π-shape, a slider with elliptical rotary shafts, and coil springs arranged in parallel, where the shutter is opened and closed by the elastic force of the coil springs, allowing for reduced sliding distance and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the movable portion and movable spring are arranged in tandem in the fitting direction, then the shutter can be automatically opened when the plug housing is fitted, but the overall length of the connector housing increases, making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement from a linear tandem configuration (along the fitting direction) to a parallel configuration (along the width direction of the shutter). This dimensional change allows the elastic member and movable portion to be positioned side-by-side rather than end-to-end, thereby reducing the overall length of the connector housing while maintaining the automatic shutter opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is preliminarily positioned in a closed state covering the optical member before the plug housing is fitted. The elastic member is pre-loaded to push the shutter toward the closed position. When the plug housing is fitted, the shutter automatically transitions from the preliminarily set closed state to the open state, achieving automatic opening without requiring additional space for manual operation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the movable portion and movable spring are arranged in tandem, then the shutter mechanism can function, but additional components are needed to maintain shutter state, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member serves dual functions: it automatically pushes the shutter to the closed position when no external force is applied, and it automatically returns the shutter to the closed position after opening. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional components such as separate return springs or positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable shutter state maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the closing force for the shutter, maintains the shutter in the closed state during storage and transport, and enables automatic opening when the plug housing is fitted. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed compared to systems that use separate elements for each function.
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
This design enables easier miniaturization of the optical connector by reducing the sliding distance of the shutter and eliminating the need for additional components to maintain the shutter's state, resulting in a more compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
an at least one elastic member pushing the slider in a direction away from the housing, wherein the elastic member is disposed in a width direction of the shutter, wherein the shutter is closed when the slider is moved by an elastic force of the elastic member in the direction away from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical connector whose miniaturization is easier than conventional. An optical connector (100) comprises a housing (103) holding an optical member (101), a slider (105) slidably held by the housing (103), a shutter (107) provided to the slider (105) in an openable and closable manner and adapted to be opened and closed to expose and isolate the optical member (101) to and from the outside, and slider-side coil springs (109) pushing the slider (105) in a direction away from the housing (103). The slider-side coil springs (109) are disposed in a width direction of the shutter (107). The optical connector (100) is configured such that the shutter (107) is closed when the slider (105) is moved by an elastic force of the slider-side coil springs (109) in the direction (direction A1) away from the housing (103) and that the shutter (107) is opened when the slider (105) is moved against the elastic force of the slider-side coil springs (109) in a direction approaching the housing (103).