Connector engagement sensing mechanism
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A connector comprising:
- a housing having a bore;
a first ferrule translatable within the bore of the housing; and
a sensor mounted in the bore of the housing between the housing and the first ferrule, the sensor including a base and a probe extending from the base configured for contacting the first ferrule during translation of the first ferrule such that the probe translates with the first ferrule during contact with the first ferrule,wherein during translation of the first ferrule towards the sensor, an electrical characteristic of the sensor changes to indicate translation of the first ferrule to a predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connector assembly includes an adapter, a housing, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing is received by the adapter and has a bore. The ferrule is translatable within the bore of the housing. The sensor is mounted on the housing or on the adapter. The sensor is configured for detecting translation of the ferrule. An electrical characteristic of the sensor changes to indicate translation of the ferrule to a predetermined position.
30 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A connector comprising:
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a housing having a bore; a first ferrule translatable within the bore of the housing; and a sensor mounted in the bore of the housing between the housing and the first ferrule, the sensor including a base and a probe extending from the base configured for contacting the first ferrule during translation of the first ferrule such that the probe translates with the first ferrule during contact with the first ferrule, wherein during translation of the first ferrule towards the sensor, an electrical characteristic of the sensor changes to indicate translation of the first ferrule to a predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21)
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5. A connector comprising:
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a housing having a bore; a first ferrule translatable within the bore of the housing; and a first sensor mounted in the bore of the housing between the housing and the first ferrule, the first sensor being configured for detecting translation of the first ferrule; and a cable including a second sensor positioned along a length of the cable, wherein during translation of the first ferrule towards the first sensor, an electrical characteristic of the first sensor changes to indicate translation of the first ferrule to a predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the first sensor, and wherein an electrical characteristic of the second sensor changes when the surface of the cable over which the second sensor lies deforms. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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20. A connector comprising:
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a housing having a bore; a first ferrule translatable within the bore of the housing, the first ferrule having a front end configured for contacting a second ferrule and a rear end opposite the front end of the first ferrule; and a sensor mounted in the bore of the housing between the housing and the first ferrule, the sensor being configured for contacting the rear end of the first ferrule to detect translation of the first ferrule, wherein during translation of the first ferrule a minimum distance towards the sensor, the sensor is compressed between the first ferrule and the housing by the force acting on the sensor and an electrical characteristic of the sensor changes to indicate translation of the first ferrule to a predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification