Optical Connector Fitted Housings for Pressure-Based Sleeve Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fixed state of a protection sleeve in optical connectors is unstable due to reliance on heat shrinkage forces, leading to a risk of the sleeve falling off the ferrule member under tension.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design that includes a tab portion on the inner housing, tiltable in the radial direction, which applies pressure to the protection sleeve when positioned inside an outer housing, stabilizing its fixation by clamping it against the sleeve fixing portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the protection sleeve is fixed only by heat shrinkage force, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the fixed state is unstable and the sleeve may fall off under tension
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: heat shrinkage force for initial fixation and tab portion mechanical pressure for reinforcement. This segmentation allows each mechanism to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two fixation mechanisms (heat shrinkage and mechanical pressure from tab portion) into a single hybrid fixation system. The heat shrinkage provides initial securing while the tab portion provides continuous mechanical pressure, creating a more reliable overall fixation than either method alone.
2Reliability
If a tab portion is added to apply pressure on the protection sleeve, then the fixed state stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tab portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical pressure to the protection sleeve for stable fixation, and its tiltable design allows it to adapt to different assembly states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab portion is designed to be tiltable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and pressure application based on the assembly state. This dynamic characteristic enables the same structure to provide both insertion guidance and fixation pressure without requiring separate components.
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 design enhances the stability of the protection sleeve's fixed state, providing a more secure attachment compared to heat shrinkage alone, by using the tab portion to apply pressure and clamp the sleeve firmly to the fixing portion.
Implementation Method 1
the tab portion is configured to apply a pressure on the protection sleeve by being tilted inward in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
the protection sleeve is fixed to a flange portion of the ferrule member by heat shrinkage
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes: a ferrule holding an optical fiber; a holder holding the ferrule; a protection sleeve including a tip that is fixed to a sleeve fixing portion of the holder; an inner housing in which at least a part of the sleeve fixing portion is housed; and an outer housing in which at least a part of the inner housing is housed. The inner housing includes a tab portion that tilts in a radial direction of the ferrule and applies a pressure on the protection sleeve by tilting inward in the radial direction in a state in which the tab portion is disposed inside the outer housing.