Optical Plug Connector Structure for Thermal Isolation at Mating Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor plug connectors used in base stations face reliability issues due to thermal resistance and stress concentration, particularly at the mating parts, which can lead to damage from heat transfer and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design with a metal front holder and a rear holder equipped with a thermal insulating portion, blocking heat transfer paths and distributing mechanical stress effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer member is formed entirely of metal to improve durability, then strength and durability are improved, but heat transfer to the cable holding portion increases causing reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The outer member is divided into two distinct parts: a front holder made of metal for durability and strength, and a rear holder made of resin for thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between durability and heat transfer prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used for different portions of the outer member based on local requirements. The front holder uses metal where strength and durability are critical (mating with receptacle shell), while the rear holder uses resin where thermal insulation is needed to protect the cable holding portion.
2Stress or pressure
If the mating part is made of metal to withstand mechanical stress, then stress resistance is improved, but heat transfer path to cable holding portion is created
Solution Approach 1:
The outer member is segmented into a metal front holder that contacts the receptacle shell for stress resistance, and a resin rear holder that provides thermal insulation. This segmentation allows the stress-bearing mating part to be metal while blocking heat transfer paths to the cable holding portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin rear holder acts as an intermediary or thermal barrier between the metal front holder and the cable holding portion. It mediates the thermal interaction by blocking heat transfer while allowing the metal front holder to perform its mechanical function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal insulation is added to block heat transfer, then heat transfer prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer member is segmented into two material zones within a single integrated structure. This segmentation provides thermal insulation functionality without adding separate components, thereby preventing heat transfer while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer member uses a composite construction combining metal and resin materials in a single integrated component. This composite approach provides both structural strength and thermal insulation properties without requiring multiple separate parts, thus preventing heat transfer while keeping the structure relatively simple.
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 configuration enhances the reliability of the plug connector by preventing heat transfer and reducing the risk of damage from stress concentration, ensuring durability and performance even in outdoor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the rear holder is provided with a thermal insulating portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A plug connector is attachable with an optical fiber cable and is connectable with a receptacle connector. The receptacle connector comprises a receptacle shell. The plug connector comprises a front holder, a cable holding portion, a rear holder and a coupling member. The front holder is made of metal. The front holder is mated with the receptacle shell when the plug connector is connected with the receptacle connector. The cable holding portion is made of metal. The cable holding portion is configured to hold the optical fiber cable. The rear holder guards the cable holding portion. The rear holder comprises, at least in part, a thermal insulating portion made of non-metal material. The coupling member couples the front holder and the rear holder with each other. Each of the coupling member and the front holder is in contact with the rear holder only on the thermal insulating portion.