Single-Component Optical Connector Jig With Transparent Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector construction tools are costly to manufacture, require multiple components, and fail to efficiently transmit visible light for visual confirmation of assembly, leading to potential wedge creep and increased material waste.
Innovation Solution
A compact, single-component optical connector construction tool featuring a V-grooved base plate and pressing lid with a clamp spring, and a pair of arms that support a wedge for reliable withdrawal and anchoring of optical fibers, constructed from creep-resistant transparent resin to prevent deformation and facilitate visual confirmation of successful connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a construction tool is constructed using multiple components (wedge and base), then the wedge can be securely anchored, but the manufacturing cost increases and the tool size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge and base are merged into a single integrated construction tool component. The base plate includes an integrated wedge support structure that provides both support and anchoring functions without requiring a separate wedge component, thereby reducing component count while maintaining anchoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, integrates the wedge support structure, and includes positioning protrusions that work with the optical connector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining all necessary functions
2Ease of manufacture
If a transparent material is used for the construction tool, then visual confirmation of assembly is enabled, but visible light transmission is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is made of transparent material specifically in the regions where visual confirmation is needed, while maintaining structural integrity in load-bearing areas. The wedge support structure and positioning protrusions are strategically positioned to allow light transmission paths for observing the mechanical splicing process
3Device complexity
If flexible materials are used to allow lateral pressure deformation, then the tool can be constructed as a single component, but wedge creep occurs and the open state is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the base plate are selected to have appropriate rigidity and creep resistance characteristics. The material is chosen to maintain dimensional stability under lateral pressure while still allowing the necessary flexibility for single-component construction, preventing wedge creep and maintaining the open state
4Ease of operation
If the construction tool is made large in size, then sufficient space is provided for operation, but material costs increase and the tool is not recyclable
Solution Approach 1:
The construction tool is designed with a compact nested structure where components are arranged efficiently within a small footprint. The wedge support structure and positioning protrusions are integrated in a space-efficient manner, providing sufficient operational space while minimizing overall tool size and material usage
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 tool allows for reliable and cost-effective operation with reduced material waste, enabling efficient and visually confirmed assembly of optical fibers through a simple, compact design that maintains the wedge in a stable state during use.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp spring (41)
Implementation Method 2
constructed from creep-resistant transparent resin to prevent deformation and facilitate visual confirmation of successful connection
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an optical connector construction tool, which is constructed as a single component, and is compact in size and simple, wherein the construction tool allows an operation of withdrawing a wedge to be more reliably performed, and a manufacturing costs to be reduced. The optical connector construction tool comprises a base plate, a wedge provided to a bottom surface of the base plate and inserted into a mechanical splice part of an optical connector, a pair of arms extending from both sides of the base plate, and protrusions projecting from the arms toward the base plate, the protrusions engaging with the bottom of the base plate and deflecting the base plate upward as a result of the arms being laterally brought together.