Optical Fiber Coupling Device Elastic Member Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber coupling devices often damage components during coupling due to compressive loads on bearings or O-rings and may not achieve thorough connection due to rotational play between housing and rotatable elements, leading to potential deformation and incomplete coupling.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with an elastic member that presses a disk-shaped flange during coupling to facilitate alignment and connection of optical fiber cables, reducing contact between internal members and preventing damage, while ensuring secure coupling without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bearing or O-ring is used to support rotation of the optical fiber, then rotation during coupling is enabled, but compressive load during coupling causes breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bearing or O-ring from the coupling mechanism entirely. Instead of supporting rotation through a bearing, the invention allows the inner connector to rotate freely within the outer connector housing without any rotational support element, thereby eliminating the component that was susceptible to compressive load breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional zones: the outer connector housing provides structural support and alignment, while the inner connector provides rotation capability and insertion force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without being subjected to conflicting mechanical loads.
2Ease of operation
If play for rotation is provided between housing and rotatable element, then rotation is enabled, but thorough coupling inside might not be completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling mechanism where the inner connector can rotate freely during insertion to accommodate alignment variations, and the elastic member dynamically adjusts to maintain contact pressure. This dynamic capability ensures both rotation freedom and reliable coupling completion without mechanical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes its compression parameter during coupling: initially compressed to enable rotation and accommodate play, then progressively compressed further as coupling progresses to ensure thorough connection. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a rotation-permissive state to a securely coupled state.
3Ease of operation
If a disk-shaped flange bearing is used, then rotation is supported, but deformation due to friction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the disk-shaped flange bearing from the design. The rotational function is achieved through the interaction between the inner connector's outer peripheral surface and the outer connector's inner peripheral surface, eliminating the need for a separate bearing component that would be susceptible to friction-induced deformation.
4Measurement precision
If alignment mechanism is provided, then circumferential alignment is achieved, but complexity of coupling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning through the elastic deformation of the outer connector's inner peripheral surface and the elastic member. As the inner connector is inserted, these elastic elements automatically adjust to accommodate circumferential misalignment without requiring complex mechanical alignment features, thereby achieving precise alignment with minimal complexity.
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 coupling device ensures secure and damage-free connection of optical fiber cables, reducing internal contact after coupling and preventing deformation during rotation, allowing for easy and reliable alignment in the circumferential direction.
Implementation Method 1
a second elastic member is pressed against a second disk-shaped flange
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a coupling device for coupling optical fiber cables, wherein contact with the internal parts is reduced when coupling a connector, and the coupling is simplified. When a projection 1101 of a connector device housing is slid along a groove 1001 and is positioned at the deepest part of the groove 1001 during the insertion of the projection 1101 into an adapter device groove 1001 of an adapter device housing 601, the coupling device which connects optical fiber cables compresses an elastic member, and connects an optical fiber connector of the connector device and the optical fiber end on the adapter device side.