Ferrule-based fiber optic connectors with ferrule retraction balancing

A fiber optic connector, comprising:

• a connector assembly comprising a ferrule and a resilient member for biasing the ferrule forward;
• a connector sleeve assembly comprising a housing with one or more latch arms and a passageway between a first end and a second end, and a ferrule sleeve, wherein the ferrule is at least partially disposed in the ferrule sleeve when assembled;
• and
• a balancing resilient member for biasing the connector sleeve assembly to a forward position and the one or more latch arms configured for engaging the connector assembly when assembled, and the balancing resilient member comprising a predetermined resilient force that is greater than the friction force required for displacing the ferrule within the ferrule sleeve.

A fiber optic connector, comprising:

• a connector assembly comprising a housing, a ferrule and a resilient member for biasing the ferrule forward;
• a connector sleeve assembly comprising a housing comprising one or more latch arms and a passageway between a first end and a second end of the housing, and a ferrule sleeve, wherein the ferrule is at least partially disposed in the ferrule sleeve when assembled;
• a balancing resilient member for biasing the connector sleeve assembly to a forward position and the one or more latch arms configured for engaging the connector assembly when assembled, and the balancing resilient member being disposed radially outward of the connector assembly and comprising a predetermined resilient force that is greater than the friction force required for displacing the ferrule within the ferrule sleeve;
• and
• a female coupling housing comprising an opening for receiving a complimentary connector.

A method of assembling a fiber optic connector assembly, comprising:

• providing a connector assembly comprising a ferrule and a resilient member for biasing the ferrule forward;
• providing a connector sleeve assembly comprising a housing with a passageway between a first end and a second end, a ferrule sleeve and one or more latch arms;
• inserting the connector assembly at least partially into the passageway of the connector sleeve assembly and the ferrule at least partially into the ferrule sleeve;
• and
• installing a balancing resilient member for biasing the connector sleeve assembly to a forward position with the latch of the connector assembly engaging the connector assembly, wherein the balancing resilient member has a predetermined resilient force that is greater than the friction force required for displacing the ferrule within the ferrule sleeve.