Optical Connector Ferrule Cap With Integrated Face Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connector plugs require separate cleaning tools for removing contaminants from the ferrule leading end, leading to increased complexity, cost, and a risk of improper use due to potential omission of cleaning, and the existing dust prevention devices do not effectively integrate cleaning steps during connector assembly.
Innovation Solution
A ferrule cleaner cap with a plug retainer and rotatable cap main body that integrates a cleaning cloth for simultaneous cleaning and attachment removal, allowing the cleaning cloth to slide over the ferrule surface during rotation or sliding motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cleaner is carried to remove contaminants from the ferrule, then cleaning function is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap integrates the cleaning function directly into its structure by combining the cap body with a cleaning component that can be rotated to expose and clean the ferrule. This merging eliminates the need for separate cleaning devices and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves multiple functions: it protects the ferrule during storage and transport, and simultaneously provides cleaning capability through its integrated cleaning component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices.
2Reliability
If separate cleaning steps are required, then cleaning can be performed, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning component is pre-positioned within the cap structure, ready to clean the ferrule immediately upon attachment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate cleaning steps and integrates cleaning into the natural attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning component can be rotated between a retracted position (for protection) and an exposed position (for cleaning). This dynamic mechanism allows the same component to serve both protection and cleaning functions, improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If cleaning is not performed, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to contaminated ferrule use
Solution Approach 1:
The cap automatically provides cleaning functionality through its integrated cleaning component that can be activated by rotation. This self-service mechanism ensures cleaning is performed as part of the normal attachment process, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable cleaning component provides visual feedback through its rotation, allowing users to confirm that the cleaning action has been performed. This feedback mechanism ensures that the ferrule is properly cleaned before use, preventing contamination.
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 ferrule cleaner cap securely, easily, and inexpensively removes contaminants from the ferrule leading end, ensuring consistent cleaning and preventing the use of contaminated connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning cloth mounted to the mounting portion in an inner portion of the cap main body is formed so as to bring the ferrule front face portion protruding forward from the through port of the plug retainer leading end into sliding contact upward or downward, thereby cleaning the ferrule front face portion
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule cleaner cap of an optical cleaner cap includes a plug retainer having a through port for a ferrule F in a leading end so as to bring a cleaning cloth into contact with a front face portion of the ferrule of an optical plug, and an opening for inserting and escaping the optical connector plug in a rear end, and a cap main body having the plug retainer built-in and forming in an inner side a mounting portion for a cleaning cloth fitted to the through port and bringing the cleaning cloth into contact with a front face portion of the ferrule protruding forward. The ferrule cleaner of the optical cleaner cap according to the invention can securely, easily and inexpensively remove and clean the refuse and the other contaminated objects attached to the ferrule leading end surface at the same time of detaching the cap.