Optical Fiber Package With Rotatable Bobbin For Connector Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber housing cases face challenges with workability due to fixed connector positions, leading to issues where connectors may not reach the fixing positions or unnecessary optical fibers remain, requiring time and effort to rewind or press into the case.
Innovation Solution
A package for optical fibers with a base, protrusions for winding, a first mounting portion with a locking mechanism, and falling-off prevention portions, allowing the optical fiber to be wound and the connector to be securely locked, preventing issues with connector positioning and fiber alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If connectors are fixed to predetermined positions in the housing case, then the connector positioning is simplified, but the workability deteriorates because connectors may not reach the fixing positions or unnecessary optical fibers remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable bobbin that can rotate within the housing case, transforming the static fixed-position connector system into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the connector to be positioned at various locations around the bobbin's circumference, enabling flexible adaptation to different fiber routing requirements while maintaining easy manufacturing of the housing case structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connector mounting function into two independent components: the stationary housing case with predetermined mounting portions and the movable bobbin with connectors. This segmentation allows the housing case to be manufactured with simple fixed positions while the bobbin provides dynamic positioning capability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the optical fiber is wound around the bobbin in fixed positions, then the fiber winding is simplified, but the adaptability deteriorates because the fiber cannot be easily led out from various directions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable bobbin transforms the fixed fiber winding configuration into a dynamic system where the fiber can be wound in any direction around the bobbin and subsequently led out from any direction. This dynamic capability maintains the simplicity of the winding process while providing versatile lead-out options for different application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bobbin serves multiple functions: it acts as the winding surface for the optical fiber, the positioning mechanism for connectors, and the rotation mechanism for adjusting fiber lead-out directions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide both simplified winding and flexible lead-out capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple housing cases are stacked with fixed connector positions, then the stacking arrangement is simplified, but the lead-out operation becomes complex requiring individual handling of each connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector and bobbin into a single integrated unit that rotates together. This combination allows multiple housing cases to be stacked with simple fixed positions, while the rotatable bobbin enables all connectors in the stack to be accessed and operated simultaneously through a single rotation motion, dramatically improving lead-out efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable bobbin acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stacked housing cases and the operator. Instead of requiring individual handling of each connector in the stack, the bobbin's rotation serves as a mediator that simultaneously positions all connectors for access, enabling efficient batch operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A package for an optical fiber is a package configured to house an optical fiber having a connector mounted to at least one end of the optical fiber. The package includes: a base having a flat surface; a plurality of protrusions protruding from the flat surface of the base and arranged along an outer periphery of the base; a first mounting portion to which the connector of the optical fiber is mounted; and a plurality of falling-off prevention portions configured to regulate a position of the optical fiber, in which the plurality of protrusions are configured such that the optical fiber is wound along a part of an outer periphery of each of 10 the plurality of protrusions, and the first mounting portion includes a locking portion provided such that the first mounting portion is locked to an outer peripheral edge of the base or the optical fiber.