Subsea Optical Connector Guiding Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea optical connectors face challenges in reliably exposing and securing the connecting structure, particularly due to the susceptibility of fibre optic ferrules to damage from trapped particles in harsh environments, and lack a robust mechanism for controlled mating and de-mating.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit with a guiding assembly featuring a pivotable arm and keyways that guides the connecting structure between positions, ensuring controlled exposure and secure connection, utilizing a key engaged in first and second keyways to move the connecting structure into a connection position, thereby protecting the optical fibre and maintaining a secure connected state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting structure is exposed in a clean environment shortly before initial contacting, then the reliability of fibre optic ferrule connection is improved, but the overall length of the connector increases and the complexity of the connecting mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is nested within the protecting sleeve during mating, with the ferrule positioned inside the sleeve. The sleeve acts as a protective container that guides the connecting structure into place while keeping it protected until the final connection moment, eliminating the need for external exposure mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The protecting sleeve serves as an intermediary element between the connecting structure and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows the fragile ferrule to be guided into position while maintaining protection from particles, and it facilitates the mating process without requiring the connecting structure to be fully exposed.
2Length of moving object
If the connecting structure is positioned off-centre and transversally from the centre axis, then the overall length of the connector is reduced, but a complex guiding mechanism is required to expose the connecting structure during mating
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is positioned off-centre and transversally from the centre axis of the connector, creating an asymmetric configuration. This allows multiple connecting structures to be arranged in a compact footprint, reducing the overall connector length while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The off-centre connecting structure is nested within the protecting sleeve, which provides the guiding function. The sleeve's internal geometry guides the transversally positioned ferrule into correct alignment during mating, eliminating the need for separate angled mounting apertures or complex guiding mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the connecting structure is protected from harsh conditions, then the susceptibility to damage from trapped particles is reduced, but the mechanism for exposing the connecting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting sleeve acts as an intermediary that maintains protection during the entire mating process. It provides a controlled internal environment that prevents particle contamination while guiding the connecting structure into position, and it only allows exposure at the precise moment of connection through its designed interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The protecting sleeve is self-guiding during the mating process. Its internal geometry and interaction with the connector housing automatically guide the connecting structure into the correct position and orientation, eliminating the need for external guiding mechanisms or complex exposure systems.
4Reliability
If a guiding assembly with keyways and key is used to control the connecting structure movement, then the reliability of controlled exposure and secure connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function and the protective function are merged into a single integrating structure - the protecting sleeve. It simultaneously provides protection for the connecting structure, guides its movement during mating, and maintains secure positioning, eliminating the need for separate guiding assemblies with keyways and keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The protecting sleeve performs multiple functions: it protects the fragile ferrule from particle damage, guides the connecting structure into correct alignment during mating, maintains the off-centre transversal position, and provides secure positioning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector part (12, 14) of a connector unit (10) comprising a connecting structure (16) and a guiding assembly (18), wherein the connecting structure (16) is moveable between at least two positions at least one of the at least two positions being a connection position and wherein the guiding assembly (18) determines a movement of the connecting structure (16) in the connection position. To provide a safe, reliable and failure proof operation of the connector part (12, 14) and thus the connector unit (10) the guiding assembly (18) comprises a first keyway (20), at least a second keyway (22) and at least one key (24) being engaged in the first keyway (20) and the at least second keyway (22) to bring the connecting structure (16) in the connection position due to a movement of the key (24) in the first keyway (20) and the at least second keyway (24).