Fiber Optic Connector for Polarity Reversal and Ferrule Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors face challenges in efficiently aligning and securing optical fibers, particularly in changing the polarity and adjusting the spacing between ferrules, which affects the efficiency and flexibility of optical connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring pivotable latches, a movable boot, and an adjustable spacing mechanism, allowing for easy alignment and polarity change without rotating the ferrules, using a holder with side slots and a clip for securing the connector portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fiber optic connectors use fixed ferrule spacing and non-pivotable latches, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability for different optical configurations and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment between latched and unlatched states. This enables the connector to adapt between secured and accessible configurations, improving operational flexibility without requiring multiple separate latch mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separable components including the boot, latch, and ferrule assembly, allowing independent adjustment of spacing between ferrules. This segmentation enables adaptability for different optical configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If the boot is made movable relative to connector portions, then the ease of operation for alignment and polarity change is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is integrated with the latch mechanism, combining the functions of protection, alignment, and latching into a single movable component. This merging allows the boot to perform multiple operations (alignment, polarity change, securing) through its movement, improving ease of operation while avoiding the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable boot serves multiple functions: it protects the connector portions, enables alignment adjustment, facilitates polarity changes, and works with the latch mechanism for securing. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation by consolidating multiple operations into a single component action, while the added complexity is offset by the versatility gained.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing between ferrules is made adjustable, then the adaptability for different optical configurations is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing between ferrules is made dynamically adjustable through the movable boot and latch mechanism rather than being fixed during manufacturing. This allows post-manufacturing adjustment of spacing, meeting different optical configuration requirements without requiring high precision in the manufacturing process itself, as the final positioning is achieved through mechanical adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector including two connector portions each including a ferrule and a latch, each latch including a distal end, and a proximal end, wherein the latch is pivotable about an intermediate connection portion; and a boot mounted to the connector portions, the boot movable longitudinally relative to the connector portions, wherein the boot causes the distal ends of the latch to pivot toward the ferrule of each connector portion as the boot is moved away from the connector portions. Front housings of the connector portions can each be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the ferrule without rotating the ferrule or the boot, to change the polarity of the two connector portions. The spacing between the two ferrules is adjustable. A holder holds the connector portions, the holder including side slots, the connector portions mounted to the holder by moving laterally to the side slots. The holder defines an area for receipt of a fiber optic cable when the ferrule is pushed in a direction toward the boot.