Optical Connector Shutter Assembly for Dust Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with shutters are complex, difficult to operate, and require a male and female configuration, making them cumbersome and prone to pollution during interconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a shutter frame with resilient sheets that move between closed and open positions to protect ferrules, allowing for easy operation and dense packing without a male/female configuration, using a shutter frame and resilient sheets to ensure the ferrules are protected from external influences and maintain a self-closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter is added to protect ferrules during interconnection, then protection against pollution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is integrated into the connector housing structure, merging the protection function with the existing connector components. The shutter frame and resilient sheet are combined into a single protective assembly that forms part of the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate protective mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient sheet provides automatic shutter operation through elastic recovery. When the connector is inserted, the resilient sheet is compressed and automatically returns to its original position, closing the shutter without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter mechanism is implemented, then ferrule protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter operates automatically through the insertion motion itself. The resilient sheet is compressed during connector insertion and automatically returns to its original position, closing the shutter without requiring separate manual operation. The system uses the natural insertion motion to trigger the protective action.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter transitions from a static closed position to an dynamic open state during insertion, then automatically returns to closed position through elastic recovery. The resilient sheet provides dynamic movement that adapts to the insertion process, opening during insertion and closing automatically afterward.
3Reliability
If male and female configuration is used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and packing density worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design uses identical structures for both mating connectors, eliminating the need for differentiated male and female configurations. Both connectors have the same shutter assembly, ferrule arrangement, and housing structure, allowing either connector to mate with the other while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs symmetric design where both connector parts are identical, eliminating the traditional asymmetric male-female configuration. This symmetric approach reduces the number of unique components needed and simplifies inventory management while maintaining connection reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If shutter components are added, then protection capability is improved, but volume and packing density worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly is nested within the connector housing structure. The shutter frame and resilient sheet are positioned inside the housing cavity, utilizing the existing internal space without requiring additional external volume. The protective components are integrated into the housing rather than adding separate external structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient sheet is implemented as a thin flexible component that provides effective shutter protection without significant volume. The elastic material can be compressed during insertion and then returns to its original thin profile, maintaining compact connector dimensions while providing robust protection.
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 solution effectively prevents contamination, physical damage, and laser radiation while minimizing airflow and volume expansion, allowing for high packing density and cost-efficiency with a robust, simple design that reduces the connection force and eliminates dust transport during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a shutter (16) arranged movable with respect to the ferrule (13) between a closed position, in which the shutter (16) encompasses a connection face (37) of the ferrule (13), and an open position, in which the connection face (37) is set free from the shutter (16)
Implementation Method 2
The shutter assembly, comprising the shutter frame and at least one resilient sheet, is arranged movable with respect to the ferrule (13) in a first direction between a closed position, in which the at least one resilient sheet of the shutter encompasses and protects a connection face (37) of the ferrule (13) from outside influences
Implementation Method 3
In the open position the connection face of the ferrule is ready for connection with a corresponding connection face of the second connector part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a connector assembly (1) comprising a first connector part (2) which is interconnectable to a second connector part (3). The first connector part (2) comprises a ferrule (13) which is encompassed by a shutter frame (17) and a thereto attached shutter (16). The shutter (16) is arranged movable with respect to the ferrule (13) in a first direction (x) between a closed position, in which the shutter (16) encompasses a connection face (37) of the ferrule (13), and an open position, in which the connection face (37) is set free from the shutter (16). The shutter frame (17) and/or the shutter (16) comprises at least one locating surface (36) which during mating interacts with the second connector part (3) such that the shutter (16) is displaced relative to the ferrule (13) from the closed to the open position.