Optical Fiber Adapter Shutter Member for Laser Eye Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber adapters fail to effectively obstruct high-power laser beams emitted from unused connectors, posing a risk to eye safety and requiring complex or costly solutions.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber adapter with a shutter member comprising a main body, hook members, a hollow middle member, and an elastic shutter plate that automatically obstructs light beams by springing up when a connector is removed, preventing exposure to harmful light.
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 eyes may still be exposed during mating
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is integrated directly into the adapter housing structure, merging the blocking function with the adapter body itself. This eliminates the separate cap component that was prone to being lost, while maintaining continuous protection against light beams and dust.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member is designed to automatically open when a connector is inserted and close when a connector is removed, providing self-regulating protection. This eliminates the need for manual cap handling and ensures reliable protection without user intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover pivotally connected to the housing is used, then the light beam is obstructed when connector is removed, but the construction becomes much more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter function is extracted from the complex pivotal cover mechanism and implemented as a simple elastic member integrated into the housing. This reduces the overall structure to essential components while maintaining the light-blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member utilizes elastic deformation as its operating mechanism, changing shape in response to connector insertion/removal. This simple parameter change (elastic deformation) replaces the complex pivotal motion mechanism, achieving the same protective function with far less complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection cap with pivotal cover and spring is used, then the light beam is obstructed, but the structure is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is merged with the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate pivotal covers and springs. This integration reduces the number of components, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing overall cost while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member is designed as a simple, inexpensive elastic component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness over durability, using a simple elastic deformation mechanism rather than expensive pivotal mechanisms.
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 without the need for additional caps or complex mechanisms, ensuring user safety and reducing costs by integrating a simple, reliable shutter mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic shutter member... The shutter member includes a fixing portion, a shutter plate and a connecting portion... The shutter plate extends from the connecting portion and into the passage
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber adapter includes a main body, two hook members, a hollow middle member and an elastic shutter member. The hook member has two hooks and two opposing walls that define a passage. The main body has an access opening on a first wall thereof for the two hook members and middle member to place within the passage of the main body. The middle member is positioned between the two hook members when the hook members and middle member are placed in the passage of the main body. The shutter member includes a fixing portion, a shutter plate and a connecting portion. The fixing portion is positioned in the accommodation recess formed on the first wall of the first hook member. The connecting portion connects the fixing portion with the shutter plate. The shutter plate extends from the connecting portion and into the passage.