Segmented Strain Relief Boot for Fiber Optic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic connectors face challenges in achieving high connector density and maintaining signal quality while providing adequate strain relief and bend radius protection for optical fibers, especially under side loads.
Innovation Solution
A compact strain relief boot design is integrated into the fiber optic connector, featuring a molded plastic construction with a segmented, tapered configuration that provides enhanced flexibility and protection, ensuring the optical fiber is securely anchored and aligned within the connector housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional strain relief boot is used, then the optical fiber is protected from bending, but the connector size increases reducing connector density
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief boot is divided into multiple segments that can collapse or compress under side loads, allowing the boot to maintain fiber protection while reducing the overall connector volume. The segmented structure enables the boot to adapt its shape and size based on applied forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief boot transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change its configuration in response to side loads. The boot collapses or compresses dynamically when forces are applied, maintaining fiber protection while minimizing space occupation during normal operation.
2Reliability
If strain relief boot length is increased to improve fiber protection, then bend radius protection is enhanced, but connector length increases reducing density
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is segmented into multiple sections that can collapse independently, providing extended fiber protection along the connector length without requiring a uniformly long boot structure. This segmentation allows protection to be concentrated where needed while minimizing overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot's physical parameters (length, cross-section, stiffness) are varied along its length to provide maximum protection in critical areas while minimizing length in non-critical areas. The variable cross-sectional area and segmented structure allow optimized protection-to-length ratio.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact strain relief boot is used to increase connector density, then connector size is reduced, but protection under side loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compact boot is designed to dynamically respond to side loads by collapsing or compressing in a controlled manner. This dynamic behavior allows the boot to maintain fiber protection even under load, preventing damage while preserving compact dimensions during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot utilizes flexible segmented structures that can deform under side loads while maintaining fiber protection. The flexible nature of the segmented boot allows it to absorb and distribute side loads without compromising fiber integrity, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector including a housing having a distal end and a proximal end has a ferrule assembly having a ferrule and a ferrule spring. The ferrule spring biases the ferrule in a distal direction. A boot is mounted at the proximal end. The boot has a distal end mounting over the proximal end of the housing and a proximal end and defines a central axis. A central passage extends through a length of the boot. A strain relief portion is adjacent the proximal end of the boot and has a truncated, conical outer shape formed by co-axial rings separated by gaps, the rings being interconnected by links extending across the gaps. The central passage has a proximal portion corresponding to a length of the strain relief portion that defines a transverse cross-dimension A majority of the rings have radial thicknesses at least 50 percent as long as the transverse cross-dimension.