Ruggedized Fiber Optic Connector Assembly With Snap Hook Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connector assemblies face challenges with excessive stress on optical fibers during termination, inadequate retention of strength members, and stringent manufacturing tolerances, particularly with glass-reinforced plastic strength members, and require operator verification for proper orientation, leading to potential scrap and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly featuring a retention body with snap hooks that engage a connector sub-assembly, allowing for optical coupling and accommodating strength members, and a glue body with snap hooks to secure both the optical cable and connector sub-assembly, enabling flexible assembly and reduced manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional crimp bodies with two halves and crimp bands are used to retain strength members, then some retention is achieved, but excessive stress is applied to optical fibers during termination
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is divided into distinct functional portions: a first portion for retaining strength members and a second portion for retaining the connector sub-assembly. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, reducing stress on optical fibers while maintaining retention strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention body acts as an intermediary component between the optical cable and the connector sub-assembly, providing a stress-relief interface that prevents excessive force from being transmitted to the optical fibers during termination and assembly operations.
2Strength
If conventional crimp bodies and adhesive are used together, then retention strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body merges the functions of the crimp body and adhesive into a single integrated component. The first portion provides mechanical retention for strength members while the second portion retains the connector sub-assembly, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application steps and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If glass-reinforced plastic strength members are used, then cable strength is improved, but stringent manufacturing tolerances are required
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body incorporates flexible retention members that can deflect and accommodate variations in the positioning of glass-reinforced plastic strength members. This dynamic capability allows the assembly to tolerate broader manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure retention of the high-strength cable components.
4Productivity
If conventional assembly methods are used, then assembly is completed, but operator verification for proper orientation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body features asymmetric geometry with specific orientations for receiving the connector sub-assembly and strength members. This asymmetric design provides visual and physical cues that guide proper orientation during assembly, eliminating the need for operator verification and enabling straightforward, error-proof assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.