VSFF Fiber Connector Crimp Body for Compact Jacket Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The termination process for Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) fiber optic connectors is challenging due to limited space, leading to errors and inefficiencies in securing the aramid yarn and cable jacket, as conventional crimp solutions disrupt the tight space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A VSFF fiber optic connector design featuring a crimp body with securing features, a crimp band, and a heat shrink tube arrangement that allows for even distribution of the aramid yarn, utilizing annular grooves, chamfered surfaces, and extensions to secure the cable jacket, with the heat shrink tube engaging the securing features to maintain strain relief without occupying excessive space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional crimp solutions with heat shrink tube over crimp band are used, then reliable strain relief is achieved, but the space requirements are not met for VSFF connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain relief reliabilityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat shrink tube from its conventional position over the crimp band and relocates it to engage directly with the crimp body. This removes the space-consuming crimp band component while maintaining the strain relief function through the heat shrink's engagement with the crimp body's securing features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The crimp body is segmented with distinct securing features (annular groove, chamfered surface, extensions) that separately handle different aspects of cable retention. The annular groove secures the aramid yarn, the chamfered surface positions the jacket, and the extensions provide additional mechanical engagement, dividing the retention function into discrete zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If tight space requirements for VSFF connectors are met, then connector density is improved, but the termination process becomes challenging and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector densityVSAvoidtermination process ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The crimp body is pre-configured with securing features (annular groove, chamfered surface, extensions) that automatically guide and position the aramid yarn and cable jacket during insertion. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for manual positioning adjustments during termination, making the process easier despite tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shrink tube acts as an intermediary component that, when shrunk, engages the securing features on the crimp body to automatically secure the cable assembly. This intermediary mechanism performs the complex securing action automatically once activated, simplifying the operator's task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If larger cable jackets are accommodated in VSFF connectors, then cable compatibility is improved, but space for heat shrink over crimp band becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable compatibilityVSAvoidspace availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solution moves the heat shrink engagement from a longitudinal dimension (over the crimp band extending outward) to a radial dimension (engaging securing features on the crimp body circumference). This dimensional change allows larger cable jackets to be accommodated without increasing the longitudinal space requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the heat shrink over the crimp band as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by having the heat shrink engage directly with the crimp body. This inversion allows the crimp band to be eliminated or minimized, creating space for larger cable jackets while maintaining heat shrink functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively secures the aramid yarn and cable jacket in VSFF connectors, ensuring reliable termination and strain relief while accommodating various cable diameters, including larger ones, within the confined space constraints.

Implementation Method 1

the heat shrink tube is engaged to the plurality of securing features. heating the heat shrink tube over the exposed aramid yarn at a temperature to shrink onto the crimp body without engaging the crimp band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS12546954B2Fiber cable jacket retention features for VSFF fiber-optic connectors

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 US CONEC LTD

AI summary

A fiber optic connector has a crimp body that allows for a heat shrink tube to be abutted to the crimp band used with the crimp body or dispose underneath the crimp band to allow for the use with a VSFF fiber-optic connector.