Optical-fiber connector with nested protective cap for pipeline passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical-fiber connectors face challenges in passing through building pipelines due to their size and the need for protective caps, which complicates the installation process and requires additional steps to ensure proper assembly and protection.
Innovation Solution
A standard connector design that includes an optical-fiber sleeve member, a fixation member, a spring, a connector body with engaging portions, a retaining member, a fixation sleeve, and a coupling cap, which allows for efficient assembly with a protective cap that can be drawn through pipelines, ensuring secure engagement and reduced outer diameter for easier passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector includes a protective cap with threaded connection, then the connector is protected and securely fixed, but the outer diameter increases making it difficult to pass through pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the connector components inside the protective cap during the drawing process. The optical fiber connector assembly is nested within the protective cap, allowing the entire assembly to be pulled through pipelines as a compact unit. After installation, the protective cap is removed and the connector is assembled at the destination, thus achieving secure fixation without increasing the outer diameter during transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connector system into separate components: the protective cap, the connector body, and the optical fiber assembly. These segmented components can be independently sized and assembled. The protective cap serves as a temporary protective enclosure during installation, while the actual connector components remain compact for pipeline passage.
2Reliability
If the connector components are assembled separately with multiple steps, then proper assembly and protection are ensured, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the optical fiber connector components within the protective cap before the drawing process. The connector body, optical fiber sleeve, and other components are preliminarily positioned and secured within the protective cap structure. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and connection while allowing the entire pre-assembled unit to be drawn through the pipeline in one operation, significantly reducing on-site installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the protective cap structure. The protective cap simultaneously serves as: (1) a protective enclosure during transmission, (2) a temporary assembly fixture for connector components, and (3) a pulling interface for the drawing process. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate steps required during installation.
3Ease of operation
If the connector head is pushed through the pipeline, then connection is achieved, but the structure requires complex components like springs and limiting sleeves increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional pushing method by using a pulling method. Instead of pushing the connector head through the pipeline from one end, the protective cap with the pre-assembled connector components is drawn through the pipeline from the opposite end. This inversion simplifies the force application and eliminates the need for complex pushing mechanisms, spring-loaded components, and limiting sleeves, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of connection.
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 proposed connector design enhances structural strength and product rigidity, enabling the assembly to withstand pulling forces during long-distance movement, while also simplifying the installation process by allowing the protective cap and connector to be assembled without removing the dustproof cap, and reducing the outer diameter for easier pipeline passage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A standard connector comprises an optical-fiber sleeve member, a fixation member, a spring, a connector body, a retaining member, a fixation sleeve, and a coupling cap. The optical-fiber sleeve member is connected to one end of the fixation member. The spring is fitted over the fixation member. The connector body is fitted over the fixation member and the spring. The connector body has a plurality of first engaging portions. The retaining member is fitted over the optical-fiber sleeve member and engaged with the connector body. The fixation member has a mating opening. An inner wall of the mating opening has a plurality of mating portions. The fixation sleeve is fitted over the optical-fiber sleeve member, the fixation member, and the connector body. Each of the mating portions is engaged with a corresponding one of the first engaging portions. The coupling cap is fitted over the fixation sleeve.