Rotating Dust Cover for Optical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical connectors used in expanded beam applications are prone to suboptimal operation due to angular errors caused by dust ingress, which can significantly decrease optical transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector system incorporates a dust ingress mitigating cover mechanism, where a cover is configured to rotate about a pivoting axis between closed and open positions, using actuators and springs to prevent dust entry and ensure proper alignment during mating, featuring various designs such as garage door, fan fold, wing, and revolving types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover mechanism is added to prevent dust ingress, then dust protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between closed and open positions through rotation about a pivoting axis. This dynamic design allows the cover to adapt between protecting the optical ferrules and allowing access during mating operations, effectively preventing dust ingress while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover mechanism incorporates springs that automatically return the cover to its closed position after being opened. This self-service feature reduces the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, as the spring mechanism autonomously restores the protective state following mating operations.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is designed to rotate about a pivoting axis, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is pre-positioned in a closed state during manufacturing, with the pivoting axis and spring mechanism pre-assembled. This preliminary configuration ensures that the cover maintains proper alignment and requires minimal adjustment during final assembly, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while preserving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If actuators are used to open the cover during mating, then reliability of mating operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves as a self-service actuator that automatically opens the cover during mating operations and returns it to the closed position afterward. This eliminates the need for external actuators or complex control systems, maintaining reliable mating operation while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector (100) includes a housing (112) configured to contain one or more optical ferrules (121) disposed within the housing and accessible through an opening at a mating end of the housing. A cover (130) is disposed at the mating end, the cover configured to be rotated about a pivoting axis between a closed position an open position. An actuator (135, 136) is configured to cause the cover to rotate about the pivoting axis from the closed position to the open position.