Separable Locking Fiber Optic Connector for LC Receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic systems in harsh environments face challenges due to the lack of ruggedness in existing interfaces between fiber optic cables and active devices, leading to manufacturing and servicing issues, as conventional pigtailing methods result in permanent connections that cannot be effectively disconnected.
Innovation Solution
A separable locking fiber optic connector is developed, compatible with LC receptacles, using metal components and a multi-piece assembly that provides axial and rotational stability, allowing for serviceability and environmental sealing, and is designed to be interoperable with existing mechanical features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional pigtailing with adhesive is used to permanently affix the fiber optic cable to the active device, then the connection strength is improved, but the serviceability deteriorates because the entire system must be replaced if something goes wrong
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple separable components: a connector body, a locking member, and a retaining notch. This segmentation allows the fiber optic cable connection to be disconnected and replaced without replacing the entire active device, resolving the serviceability issue while maintaining connection strength through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to transition between engaged and disengaged states with the retaining notch. This dynamic capability allows the connection to be permanently secure during operation but easily separable when servicing is needed, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and serviceability.
2Ease of repair
If a separable connector interface is used instead of permanent pigtailing, then the serviceability is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates in harsh environments with vibration and shock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and retaining notch are designed with curved surfaces that provide mechanical interlocking. This geometric design creates a robust connection that resists vibration and shock while remaining separable when needed, resolving the contradiction between serviceability and connection reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses metal components (such as aluminum) that provide both strength for reliable connection in harsh environments and controlled separability. The material selection enables the connector to withstand vibration and shock while maintaining serviceability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If metal parts are used to improve ruggedness for harsh environments, then the environmental resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal connector body serves multiple functions: it provides structural strength for harsh environments, houses the locking mechanism, and interfaces with standard LC receptacles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining environmental resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is integrated with the connector body as a single metal component in some embodiments, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining the ruggedness required for harsh environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector includes a housing and a locking member. The housing has a longitudinal passage extending between a first opening at a first end of the housing and a second opening at a second end of the housing, the housing sized to fit within a fiber optic receptacle. The locking member is a separate part from the housing and is sized to fit within a retaining notch in the fiber optic receptacle. The locking member, when secured to the housing and located in the retaining notch, interfaces with the retaining notch to prevent separation of the housing from the receptacle.