Optical Fiber Connector Split Internal Shell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fibre connectors have a complex structure with many independent components, making them unsuitable for rapid on-site installation, and are prone to damage from lateral strain due to excessively long extension tubes and short strain relief boots, requiring specialized tools for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified optical fibre connector design with a split internal shell, featuring a temporary retention component that automatically drops during assembly, eliminating the need for specialized tools and reducing connector length while increasing strain relief, allowing for quicker and more robust on-site assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many independent components are used in optical fibre connector assembly, then the connector structure is comprehensive and functional, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent components (extension tube, crimping sleeve, strain relief boot, internal shell) into a single integrated pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly steps and components while maintaining all necessary functions, directly resolving the contradiction between structural comprehensiveness and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension tube, crimping sleeve, and strain relief boot are pre-assembled into a unified structure before deployment. This preliminary action performs the complex assembly work in advance, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components and reducing on-site assembly time and complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If long extension tubes are used, then the connector provides adequate space for components, but the connector becomes excessively long and vulnerable to lateral strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extension tube with the crimping sleeve and strain relief boot into a single integrated structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for long separate extension tubes while providing adequate component installation space through the unified design, thereby reducing lateral strain vulnerability without sacrificing functional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure provides localized reinforcement and protection at critical points where components are installed, rather than relying on overall length for protection. The strain relief boot and crimping sleeve are positioned strategically within the unified structure to provide local strength and strain resistance, reducing vulnerability to lateral loads.
3Length of stationary object
If short strain relief boots are used, then the connector length is reduced, but the optical cables become easily damaged under lateral load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strain relief boot with the extension tube and crimping sleeve into a unified integrated structure. This merging allows the strain relief function to be provided at the appropriate location without requiring a long separate boot, reducing connector length while maintaining adequate lateral load resistance through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure provides localized strain relief and lateral load resistance at the critical interface between the optical cable and connector components. The strain relief boot is strategically positioned within the unified structure to provide focused protection where lateral strains are most likely to occur, rather than relying on overall length for protection.
4Ease of manufacture
If specialized crimping tools are used, then the assembly can be completed, but the on-site assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the crimping sleeve with the extension tube and strain relief boot into a single pre-assembled unit. This eliminates the need for separate crimping operations and specialized crimping tools, as the integrated structure is designed to be installed as a complete unit, thereby reducing on-site assembly difficulty while maintaining assembly completion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping sleeve is pre-positioned and integrated with the extension tube and strain relief boot before deployment. This preliminary integration performs the crimping function in advance during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site crimping operations and specialized tools, thereby simplifying on-site assembly while ensuring assembly completion.
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 simplified design facilitates rapid on-site assembly of optical fibre connectors, enhances their ability to withstand lateral loads, and eliminates the need for specialized tools, thereby reducing assembly complexity and increasing durability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, contained within said internal shell and being located behind said inserted core, for exerting a pre-set axial force on said inserted core
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a type of optical fibre connector, comprising: an external shell; an internal shell, installed within said external shell; an inserted core component, contained within said internal shell and comprising an inserted core and a length of optical fibre pre-installed within said inserted core; and a spring, contained within said internal shell and located behind said inserted core, and being for exerting a pre-set axial force on said inserted core. Said internal shell includes a front part and a rear part; said rear part is assembled on said front part. Additionally, said spring is compressed between said rear part and said inserted core. In the present invention, the rear part can act as a retainer for the compressed spring and can also be for securing the Kevlar fibre extension tube of the optical cable. As a result, in comparison to the prior art, the present invention reduces the number of components of the optical fibre connector and simplifies the structure of the optical fibre connector, thus facilitating rapid on-site assembly of the optical fibre connector.