Optical Fiber Socket Linear Coupling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical fiber coupling devices require time-consuming and inconvenient rotation of a coupling sleeve for connecting and disconnecting optical fiber sockets and plugs, making the operation inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The optical fiber socket and plug designs include a socket and plug sleeve unit with locking members that are urged to clamp the plug when connected, allowing for swift engagement and disengagement by a movable coupling sleeve against a resilient force, facilitating easy connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling sleeve with threads is used to connect the optical fiber socket and plug, then the connection is firm and stable, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inconvenient due to rotational alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the threaded rotational coupling mechanism with a push-pull linear coupling mechanism. The coupling sleeve is moved from a threaded connection to a smooth bore that slides over the coupling rod, eliminating the need for rotational alignment while maintaining connection stability through the resilient member and locking member engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a threaded sleeve that requires rotation to engage, the patent inverts the approach by using a smooth bore sleeve that engages through linear insertion. The coupling rod with resilient member provides the locking function rather than threads, reversing the traditional coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a threaded coupling mechanism is used, then the connection is secure, but the connection and disconnection process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded rotational mechanism is replaced with a linear push-pull mechanism using a smooth bore coupling sleeve and coupling rod with resilient member. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming rotational alignment process while maintaining secure connection through the resilient member's engagement with the coupling groove.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member is pre-loaded to automatically engage the coupling groove when the coupling sleeve is inserted, eliminating the need for manual threading operations. The locking action occurs automatically during the insertion process, reducing connection time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If locking members are used to clamp the plug, then the connection is secure, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection firmnessVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is merged with the coupling sleeve, forming an integrated structure where the locking member is disposed within the coupling sleeve. This combination reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the clamping function, as the locking member and coupling sleeve work together as a unified assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling sleeve serves multiple functions: it guides the coupling rod, houses the locking member, and provides the external interface for connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure connection through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design enables rapid and convenient connection and disconnection of optical fiber sockets and plugs, improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for rotational alignment.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling resilient member having two ends that respectively abut against the plug unit and the coupling sleeve. When the optical fiber socket is connected to the optical fiber plug, the locking members of the socket shell of the optical fiber socket are urged by the coupling sleeve to move toward and clamp the plug unit of the optical fiber plug.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9625655B1Optical fiber socket and optical fiber plug

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 AMPHENOL FIBER OPTIC TECH SHENZHEN

AI summary

An optical fiber socket for being connected to an optical fiber plug and a first optical fiber cable includes a socket sleeve unit, a socket shell having a surrounding wall that defines a connecting hole for insertion of the first optical fiber cable thereinto and for being engaged with the optical fiber plug, a plurality of spaced-apart receiving holes that extend radially through the surrounding wall and that communicate with the connecting hole, and a plurality of locking members that are movably and respectively disposed in the receiving holes, and a socket guiding unit. When the optical fiber socket is connected to the optical fiber plug, the locking members are urged to move toward and clamp the optical fiber plug.