Optical Fiber Adapter Rotation Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical fiber connection devices lack stable rotation control, leading to potential damage of optical fibers due to excessive rotation angles and are not compatible with standard SC connectors, compromising operability and security.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber connection device featuring a rotating and fixing mechanism with a positioning member that limits the rotation angle within a predetermined range, using protrusions and arc grooves to secure the adapter in operation or release positions, and incorporating leaf springs and a fixation frame for secure adapter fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotatable member is used to rotate the adapter for easy connector removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to uncontrolled rotation angles causing optical fiber damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connector removalVSAvoidoptical fiber integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a rotatable member that can dynamically change its orientation. The rotation is controlled by positioning members (protrusions and arc grooves) that guide the rotation path and limit the rotation angle to a predetermined range, allowing the adapter to rotate only to the position necessary for connector removal while preventing excessive rotation that would damage optical fibers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a holder and flat feature are added to secure the adapter in a non-operation state, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the flat feature cannot be adapted for standard SC connectors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter securityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard SC connectors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is designed with a protrusion and arc groove structure that serves multiple functions: it secures the adapter in the non-operation state, guides the rotation movement, limits the rotation angle, and is compatible with standard SC connectors. This universal design eliminates the need for special flat features while maintaining adapter security and enabling standard connector compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the adapter can be rotated freely for easy connector insertion and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for rotation control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector insertion and removalVSAvoidrotation control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation control function is merged into the existing adapter structure through the positioning member. The protrusion and arc groove are integrated parts of the adapter assembly rather than separate control mechanisms, allowing rotation control to be achieved without adding significant structural complexity. The positioning member simultaneously provides rotation guidance, angle limitation, and adapter securing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2312356B1Optical Fiber Connection Device
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 ADC TELECOMM (SHANGHAI) DISTRIBUTION CO LTD
  • EP2312356B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2312356B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2312356B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses an optical fiber connection device, comprising: a base plate (1); at least one adapter (2) for receiving optical fiber connectors (8, 9); a rotating and fixing mechanism (3) being provided on the base plate (1) and being connected with the adapters (2), the rotating and fixing mechanism comprising: a fixing portion for fixedly connecting with the adapter (2); and a rotating portion being rotatably connected to the base plate (1), through which the mechanism can rotate between an operation position and a receiving/releasing position; and a positioning member for stably holding the rotating and fixing mechanism in the operation position or the receiving/releasing position, and limiting the rotation angle of the mechanism and that of the adapter within a predetermined angle range.