Optical Connector Plug With Rotating Inner Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector structures face challenges in accommodating variations in the length of optical modules, leading to increased size and potential bending of fragile glass optical fibers, which necessitates extra fiber length to prevent curvature.
Innovation Solution
A plug and receptacle configuration where the inner and outer shells are designed to accommodate axial variations, with the inner shell rotating to hit an abutment surface and the outer shell screwing onto the receptacle, allowing secure connection while reducing the overall size by eliminating the need for extra fiber length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical connector is made movable to accommodate variations in optical module length, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional support structures and springs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is designed to be movable within a predetermined range in the axial direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate variations in optical module length. The support portion and coiled springs enable this dynamic movement while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If extra length is provided for optical fibers to prevent bending, then the reliability is improved, but the length of the plug increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the optical connector movable rather than providing extra fiber length, the system dynamically adapts to position variations, eliminating the need for excessive fiber length while maintaining connection reliability and preventing fiber bending.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer cylindrical portion is made rotatable to accommodate position variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to sliding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cylindrical portion is designed to be rotatable with respect to the cylindrical portion, allowing angular adjustment to accommodate position variations. The sliding portion enables this rotational movement while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug including main optical connector bodies, a housing for securing and holding the main optical connector bodies on the connecting end side thereof, a cylindrical inner shell surrounding the housing and attached to the housing by screwing a threaded hole formed in a rear wall portion thereof onto a thread formed in the outer periphery of the housing, and a cylindrical outer shell surrounding the inner shell and having a thread formed in the inner periphery thereof on the connecting end side and a step portion formed in the inner periphery on the rear end side thereof, the thread being screwed onto the thread of an enclosure shell. When the plug is coupled to a receptacle, the inner shell is rotated with respect to the housing and the connecting end of the inner shell hits the abutment surface of the enclosure shell and, when the outer shell is screwed onto the enclosure shell, the step portion hits the rear wall portion. This plug can be coupled properly to the receptacle by accommodating variations in the position of the mating optical connector housed in the receptacle and can be reduced in size.