Two-Piece Push-Button Actuator for Fiber Optic Terminal Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for fiber optic terminals that allow network operators to quickly and easily make optical connections while providing improved reliability, sealing, and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The disclosure presents improved push-button actuators comprising a first piece and a second piece for use with fiber optic terminals. These actuators are designed to release external fiber optic connectors from connection ports, featuring a seal for enhanced sealing characteristics and a two-piece construction for improved surface finish and dimension consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single molded push-button component is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to surface finish inconsistencies near molding part lines
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button actuator is divided into two separate components: a first piece with a sealing surface and a second piece with a actuating surface. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized surfaces, avoiding the sealing surface being located near molding part lines where flash and inconsistencies occur. The seal engages between the first piece and the shell, while the second piece provides the actuating function without compromising sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If a two-piece push-button construction is used, then sealing characteristics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first piece and second piece are combined through a snap-fit or interference-fit connection, merging their functions into a single operational unit. The first piece provides the sealing interface with the shell, while the second piece provides the actuating surface. This merging approach maintains the sealing benefits of separation while presenting a unified functional component to the user, minimizing the perceived complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If compact form-factor is implemented, then space efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the push-button actuator into two pieces, each component can be manufactured with standard tolerances independently. The first piece with its sealing surface and the second piece with its actuating surface are then assembled together. This approach allows compact terminal design without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of a single complex component, as each piece can be manufactured with conventional precision and assembled to achieve the required overall compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved push-button actuator comprising a first piece and a second piece for use with fiber optic terminals having a connection port for receiving an external fiber optic connector for optical mating. The push-button is used for releasing an external fiber optic connector from the connection port of the fiber optic terminal. The push-button actuator may have a seal sized for fitting about the first piece for keeping dirt, dust or debris out of the fiber optic terminal. Fiber optic terminals using the push-button may comprise a shell, at least one connection port disposed on the terminal, and at least one securing feature associated with the connection port that may be actuated by the push-button for releasing an external fiber optic from the connection port as desired. Additionally, the at least one securing feature of the terminal may be biased by a resilient member to a normally retained position if desired.