Two-Piece Spring Push Stress Distribution for MPO Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MPO connectors with a two-piece spring push fail proof load testing due to stress on the posts and crimp body, leading to potential malfunction or failure, as the bending moment during testing exceeds the yield stress, causing the crimp body to be torn off.
Innovation Solution
A modified two-piece spring push design featuring a main body with parallel extensions and a cap with a locking member that engages the middle portion of the main body, providing additional alignment features and stress distribution to prevent separation during testing, with the locking member and cap forming an opening through the spring push to manage stress effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If posts are slipped into receivers with tolerance, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection strength deteriorates causing marginal snap fit that can be easily pried apart
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple engagement points: posts in receivers provide primary alignment and engagement, while the locking member on the cap provides secondary engagement with the middle portion of the main body. This segmentation distributes the connection strength across multiple features rather than relying on a single snap fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The posts are preliminarily positioned in the receivers during assembly, establishing alignment before final locking. The locking member then engages the middle portion of the main body in advance of any potential separation forces, preventing the marginal snap fit from being pried apart.
2Reliability
If proof load testing is conducted with 33 N force, then reliability is improved through testing, but device durability deteriorates due to bending moment on posts causing crimp body to be torn off
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element that transfers the proof load testing force from the posts to the middle portion of the main body. During 33 N proof load testing, the locking member engages the middle portion to distribute the bending moment, preventing the force from concentrating on the crimp body and causing tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member provides beforehand cushioning by engaging the middle portion of the main body before proof load testing. This pre-engagement creates a load path that cushions the crimp body from the full impact of the 33 N testing force, distributing stress away from the vulnerable crimp body region.
3Strength
If locking member engages middle portion of main body, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional alignment features
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it provides connection strength by engaging the middle portion of the main body, acts as a stress distribution feature during proof load testing, and works in conjunction with the posts and receivers for alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece spring push includes a main body portion and a cap. The cap is attached to the main body portion through a locking member that is disposed within a slot in the main body. The main body also includes alignment features that are received by the cap. The cap may have a bump that extends into an opening of the main body to limit the movement of optical fibers inserted therein. A front face of the cap engages a portion of a housing of a fiber optic connector when assembled.