Waterproof Fiber Optic Connector With Tool-Free Closure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors require additional fixing means like screws for mounting and demounting, leading to increased labor and equipment costs and a complex internal structure.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector with an insertion groove and stepped portion on its outer periphery, combined with a sealing member, allows easy attachment and detachment by forward and backward operation, and provides waterproof protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw fixing means is added to ensure the fiber optic connector is securely mounted in the closure, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the closure body, merging the fixing function with the closure structure itself. The insertion groove is formed directly on the outer periphery of the connector body, eliminating the need for separate fixing components. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing secure mounting through the combined structure rather than adding separate fixing means.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's own outer periphery structure (insertion groove) serves as the locking mechanism. The groove geometry itself provides the interlocking function with the closure, making the connector self-sufficient for secure mounting without requiring external fixing components. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining connection security.
2Reliability
If a screw fixing means is added to prevent the fiber optic connector from slipping out, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional laborious tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the basic insertion operation. The insertion groove geometry is designed to automatically engage with the closure structure during the normal insertion motion, combining mounting security with a single insertion action. This eliminates the need for separate fixing operations while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure automatically performs the locking function through its own geometric features (insertion groove) during insertion and removal operations. The groove design enables the connector to self-lock in the mounted position and self-release during removal, making the operation simple and intuitive without requiring additional manual fixing steps.
3Reliability
If additional fixing means are added to secure the fiber optic connector, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased equipment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is merged into the closure and connector basic structures. The insertion groove is formed as an integral feature of the connector body, and the locking mechanism is integrated into the closure structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixing components, reducing equipment costs while maintaining reliable connector fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and closure structures serve their own fixing needs through their inherent geometric features. The insertion groove geometry and closure structure work together to provide secure mounting without requiring additional fixing components or equipment. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing complexity and equipment costs while ensuring reliable connector fixation.
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
Enables easy mounting and demounting without additional fixing means, while maintaining waterproof integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member (120) enabling a waterproof function to be fulfilled as an outer periphery is in contact with an inside of a seating groove (121) by forming the seating groove (121) in an outer periphery of a middle portion of the connector main body (110)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an outdoor waterproof fiber optic connector and, more specifically, to an outdoor waterproof fiber optic connector, which is a fiber optic connector inserted and mounted into a closure for branching a single optical cable, has an insertion groove and a stepped portion formed at the outer periphery of the fiber optic connector correspondingly insertion-fastened to an insertion hole of the closure so as to have a structure that can be conveniently and easily attached/detached even without a separate fixing means while being in contact with a fixing means in the insertion hole, and further includes a sealing member in contact with the inner periphery of the insertion hole, and thus the present invention can have a waterproof function of blocking the inflow of foreign substances and moisture through the insertion hole in which the fiber optic connector is mounted.