Field-Terminable ST Optical Fiber Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical optical fiber connectors, such as ST connectors, are prone to incorrect assembly due to multiple small pieces, leading to performance degradation or fiber damage, and are not compatible with standard formats, requiring complex piecewise assembly.
Innovation Solution
An ST format optical connector with a housing and collar body that includes a mechanical splice and buffer clamp, featuring a bayonet-style mechanism with limited rotation, a fiber boot for lateral motion restriction, and a buffer clamp actuation sleeve for easy field termination, ensuring compatibility with standard formats and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hybrid splice connectors are assembled piecewise in the field, then connector functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple small pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (ferrule, mechanical splice, buffer clamp, and collar body) into a single integrated collar body assembly. This merging eliminates the need for piecewise assembly of multiple small pieces, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining field termination capability. The integrated design ensures proper alignment and reduces the chance of incorrect assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small pieces are used in connector assembly, then connector functionality is achieved, but the chance of damaging the fiber increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the ferrule, mechanical splice, and buffer clamp into a single collar body assembly, the patent eliminates handling of multiple separate small pieces that could damage the fiber. The integrated design provides built-in alignment features and protection structures that prevent fiber damage during assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar body includes pre-formed alignment features, positioning structures, and protection elements that are built into the design before field installation. These pre-engineered features cushion against misalignment and damage risks that would otherwise occur during piecewise assembly of multiple components.
3Ease of operation
If housing is allowed to rotate freely about collar body, then bayonet-style connection is achieved, but connection reliability decreases due to over-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation control mechanism where the housing can rotate during the connection process to engage the bayonet-style coupling, but the rotation is automatically limited by mechanical stops or engagement features. This allows easy connection operation while preventing over-rotation that could damage the connection or misalign components.
Data Source
AI summary
An ST format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with an ST receptacle or coupling, the housing having an ST bayonet-style format. The ST format optical connector also includes a collar body and a retainer disposed in the housing, where the collar body is retained between the housing and the retainer. The housing is prevented from fully rotating about the collar body and retainer. In addition, the connector can be deactivated for fiber repositioning or reuse.