Port Tracer with Third Opening for Enhanced Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional port tracers used for tracing optical fibers are inefficient due to non-obvious light indicators, increasing the time required to locate the corresponding ends and potentially damaging the fibers during examination.
Innovation Solution
A port tracer design featuring a housing with a light guiding tunnel and a detachable light guide cover, including a third opening that enhances light output range, a cable fitting portion for stability, and a light source input for damage inspection, while preventing dust contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional port tracers are used to trace optical fibers, then the light tracing function is provided, but the light output is not obvious making it difficult to locate corresponding ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third opening on the third side of the housing, adding a new dimension for light output. This allows light to escape from multiple directions (front, back, and side), significantly enhancing the visibility of the light trace and making it easier to locate corresponding fiber ends from various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different colored LEDs (red and green) to indicate different states of fiber connection. The red LED indicates no connection while the green LED indicates successful connection, providing clear visual feedback that improves operability and reduces time to identify corresponding ends.
2Productivity
If port tracer is installed on optical fiber ends to enhance tracing speed, then the light tracing function is improved, but the optical fiber ends may be damaged or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a detachable light guide cover that can be flipped open for operation and closed for protection. This cover acts as a protective barrier when not in use, preventing dust contamination and physical damage to the optical fiber ends, while allowing quick access when examination is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The port tracer is installed on the optical fiber ends before examination begins, and the protective cover is designed to remain in place during non-operational periods. This preliminary protective measure ensures the fiber ends are protected from contamination and damage throughout the examination process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the light guide cover covers the first light entrance-exit, then dust contamination is prevented, but the cable exit needs to remain accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide cover is designed with a flipable structure that can be opened to expose the cable exit when needed and closed to protect the light entrance-exit. This segmentation of the cover into movable and fixed portions allows simultaneous protection of the light entrance and accessibility of the cable exit.
Solution Approach 2:
The flipable light guide cover transitions between closed (protective) and open (accessible) states dynamically based on operational needs. This dynamic structure allows the cover to provide dust protection during storage and transport while enabling easy cable access during connection operations.
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 port tracer reduces operation time by improving light visibility and extends optical fiber life by protecting the ends from damage and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The light guiding tunnel is disposed inside the housing. The light guiding tunnel has a first light entrance-exit and a second entrance-exit that face the first side and the second side respectively. The light guide cover covers the first light entrance-exit.
Implementation Method 2
The light guide cover includes an embedded portion. The embedded portion is embedded in the first light entrance-exit and extends along an inner wall of the light guiding tunnel.
Data Source
AI summary
A port tracer including a housing, a light guiding tunnel, and a light guide cover. The housing has a first side and a second side opposite to each other and a third side connected to the first side and the second side. A first opening and a second opening are located on the first side and the second side respectively. The light guiding tunnel is disposed inside the housing. The light guiding tunnel has a first light entrance-exit and a second entrance-exit that face the first side and the second side respectively. The light guide cover is detachably connected to the first opening. The light guide cover covers the first light entrance-exit. The third side has a third opening. A part of the light guide cover is located inside the housing and opposite to the third opening.