Ruggedized Push-Pull Fiber Connector Sealing for Outdoor Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic connectors face challenges in withstanding outside environmental conditions, including large temperature variations, pulling loads, and side loading, while maintaining ease of installation and removal.

Innovation Solution

The development of ruggedized push-pull connection systems with integrated latching arrangements and sealing mechanisms that allow single-handed installation and removal of fiber optic connectors, featuring environmentally sealed designs and robust mechanical fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fiber optic connectors are used, then ease of connection is maintained, but reliability under outside environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a flexible seal member (O-ring) that creates an environmental seal between the connector body and adapter housing, protecting internal components from moisture and dust while maintaining the push-pull connection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connector combines rigid structural components (connector body, ferrule) with flexible sealing elements (O-ring seal member) to achieve both mechanical strength and environmental protection in a single integrated assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If robust fastening arrangements are added to withstand mechanical stress, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical durabilityVSAvoidfastening structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push-pull connection mechanism allows the connector to self-latch through simple axial force application during insertion, eliminating the need for complex external fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into distinct functional segments: the connector body with latch mechanism, the adapter housing with接收 structure, and the seal member, allowing each component to perform its specific function independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sealing mechanisms are integrated into the connector, then environmental protection improves, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sealingVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is pre-positioned within the connector body in a retracted state that allows easy insertion, and automatically deploys to its sealing position during the connection process without requiring separate installation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is merged with the connection mechanism itself, where the same axial force that drives the push-pull connection also activates the seal member, combining two functions into a single operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If single-handed installation capability is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but mechanical robustness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism incorporates a movable component that dynamically transitions from an unlocked state during insertion to a locked state upon connection, allowing simple single-handed operation while ensuring robust mechanical retention through the engaged latch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250347855A1Ruggedized push-pull fiber optic connection systems

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to ruggedized push-pull fiber optic connection system. The fiber optic connection system includes a push-pull connector that is adapted to be latched within and sealed with respect to a connector port.