Optical Fiber Adapter Elastic Shutter for Laser Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber adapters fail to effectively obstruct high-power laser beams emitted from optical fiber connectors, posing a risk to eye safety and requiring complex or costly solutions for protection.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber adapter with two elastic shutter members, integrally formed with metal, that swing to obstruct the light beams when not in use, preventing exposure and dust entry, while allowing secure connector alignment and coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cap is used to block the receiving recess, then the light beam is obstructed and dust is prevented, but the cap is apt to get lost and eye exposure risk remains during connector mating
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is elastically deformable and automatically moves to obstruct the light beam when the connector is pulled out, and automatically retracts when the connector is inserted, without requiring manual operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the risk of losing protective caps while maintaining ease of connector mating.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member transitions from a static protective cap to a dynamic element that automatically adjusts its position based on connector presence. The elastic deformation allows the shutter to move between obstructing and retracted states, providing continuous protection during operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover pivotally connected to the housing is used, then the light beam is obstructed when not in use, but the construction becomes much more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is extracted from the housing structure and positioned as a separate, movable element within the receiving recess. This allows the shutter to be independently controlled by connector movement rather than requiring a pivoting cover mechanism, simplifying the overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic shutter member uses the connector's own insertion and removal movements to trigger the light beam obstruction, eliminating the need for separate cover mechanisms or additional actuating components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection cap with pivotal cover is used, then the light beam is obstructed and dust is prevented, but the structure becomes somewhat complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dust prevention and light beam obstruction functions are merged into a single elastic shutter member that performs both protective functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate caps and covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member automatically responds to connector presence to provide both dust protection and light beam obstruction without requiring manual activation or complex mechanical linkages.
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 adapter effectively blocks high-power light beams, ensuring eye safety and preventing dust contamination without the complexity or high cost of existing solutions, while allowing easy and secure connector operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first shutter member is elastic and the second shutter member is elastic
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
An optical fiber adapter according to the present disclosure includes a main body, a first shutter member, a second shutter member and an inner housing. The first shutter member includes a first base portion, a first shutter plate, a first supporting portion and a first connecting portion. The second shutter member includes a second base portion, a second shutter plate, a second supporting portion and a second connecting portion. The first base portion is positioned on the first wall of the main body. The first connecting portion connects the first base portion. The first supporting portion extends from the first connecting portion. The first shutter plate connects the first supporting portion and extends toward the third wall of the main body. The second base portion is positioned on the third wall of the main body. The second connecting portion connects the second base portion. The second supporting portion extends from the second connecting portion. The second shutter plate connects the second supporting portion and extends toward the first wall of the main body. The inner housing is positioned within the main body through the first opening.