Optical Connector Cleaning Tool Ferrule End and Side Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical connector cleaning tools are inadequate in cleaning both the end and side faces of ferrules, leading to potential dust adherence and connection quality deterioration, with existing tools either failing to properly clean side faces or requiring inadequate force or gas pressure.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves superimposing multiple cleaning sheets with differently oriented cleaning strings to effectively clean both the end and side faces of a ferrule, using a fixing tool to hold the sheets and facilitate easy insertion and removal of the ferrule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cleaning sheet is used to clean the end face of a ferrule, then the end face can be cleaned, but the side face cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning sheets with different string orientations into a single integrated cleaning tool assembly. The first cleaning sheet has cleaning strings oriented in a first direction, while the second cleaning sheet has cleaning strings oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This merging allows both the end face and side face of the ferrule to be cleaned simultaneously without requiring separate cleaning operations or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane cleaning approach to a multi-dimensional cleaning approach by stacking cleaning sheets with orthogonal orientations. The cleaning strings in different sheets are arranged in perpendicular directions, enabling the tool to clean surfaces in multiple dimensions (end face and side face) through a single insertion and pressing motion.
2Productivity
If multiple cleaning sheets with different orientations are superimposed, then both end face and side face can be cleaned simultaneously, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is segmented into multiple independent cleaning sheets, each with a specific function (cleaning end face or side face). Each cleaning sheet contains cleaning strings oriented in a specific direction. This segmentation allows each sheet to be optimized for its particular cleaning task while maintaining overall simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cleans both the end face and side face of the ferrule in a single operation. The universal design allows the same cleaning tool to perform multiple cleaning tasks that would otherwise require separate tools or operations, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If cleaning strings are arranged in only one direction, then the cleaning tool is simple, but dust on side faces cannot be removed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of cleaning strings in different orientations across multiple sheets. The first cleaning sheet has strings oriented in a first direction, while the second cleaning sheet has strings oriented in a perpendicular second direction. This asymmetric configuration ensures that dust particles regardless of their orientation or location on the ferrule surfaces can be effectively removed, enhancing cleaning completeness.
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 method allows for simultaneous and simple cleaning of both the end and side faces of a ferrule, preventing dust adherence and improving connection quality by ensuring thorough removal of foreign matter.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning sheet including a plurality of cleaning strings arranged in a row to rub dirt off an end face of a ferrule and a side face of the ferrule
Implementation Method 2
superimposing a plurality of cleaning sheets on each other in layers... pressing an end face of a ferrule of an optical connector plug against the cleaning strings of the cleaning sheets superimposed on each other in layers to clean the end face of the ferrule
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide an optical connector cleaning tool capable of cleaning both an end face and a side face of a ferrule of an optical connector plug simultaneously and simply and a method of cleaning an optical connector in such a manner. An optical connector cleaning tool according to the present invention includes superimposing a plurality of cleaning sheets on each other, the cleaning sheets each including a plurality of cleaning strings arranged so as to be parallel to each other in a sheet shape, such that orientations of the cleaning strings included in the respective cleaning sheets differ from each other, pressing an end face of a ferrule of an optical connector plug against the cleaning sheets to clean the end face of the ferrule, and subsequently, sticking the ferrule through the cleaning sheets to clean a side face of the ferrule.