Optical Connector Spring Support Latch Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors with springs that bias the ferrule can apply local stress to the optical fiber, leading to increased transmission loss or disconnection when the springs fall towards the fiber during operation.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design includes a support portion with a first and second divided member, featuring latch portions arranged in a vertical direction to prevent the springs from being pushed towards the optical fiber, thereby reducing local stress. This configuration ensures the springs are supported from the rear and locked in housing lock holes, preventing direct contact with the fiber during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If two springs are arranged to sandwich the optical fiber for biasing the ferrule forward, then the ferrule can be effectively biased, but the springs may fall toward the optical fiber and apply local stress to it
Solution Approach 1:
A support portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the springs and the optical fiber. This support portion has a latch portion that engages with a lock hole in the housing to prevent the springs from falling toward the optical fiber, thereby eliminating the harmful local stress while maintaining the biasing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion is divided into a first divided member and a second divided member that are combined together. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and manufacturing while providing the necessary structural support to hold the springs in position without contacting the optical fiber.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support portion is designed as a single integrated piece, then it provides continuous support, but it is difficult to assemble and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is segmented into a first divided member and a second divided member. These separate components can be manufactured independently and then assembled together, significantly easing the manufacturing process while maintaining the structural stability needed to support the springs and prevent them from contacting the optical fiber.
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 effectively suppresses the application of local stress to the optical fiber, reducing transmission loss and preventing disconnection, while allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
two springs arranged so as to sandwich the optical fiber therebetween, and biasing the ferrule forward
Implementation Method 2
the two latch portions are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are configured to bend in the vertical direction when locked in the two lock holes
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes: an optical fiber; a ferrule with an insertion hole that accommodates the optical fiber; a housing that accommodates the ferrule and that includes two lock holes formed therein; two springs that sandwich the optical fiber therebetween, and that bias the ferrule in a forward direction of the optical connector; and a support portion that supports the two springs from a rear direction of the optical connector. The support portion includes a first divided member that is combined with a second divided member and two latch portions locked in the two lock holes. When the insertion hole extends is the front and the rear directions, the two springs are disposed along left and right directions of the optical connector, and a vertical direction is orthogonal to the front, rear, right, and left directions, the two latch portions are disposed side by side in the vertical direction.