Adapter-Less Fiber Optic Support Frame for Stable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic cassettes or modules with adapters cause installation inefficiencies, adapter wiggle, manufacturing challenges, and lack of access for cleaning and reconfiguration, leading to increased costs and waste.
Innovation Solution
A support frame providing adapter-less fiber optic connections with a single piece connection block and open region for cable management, featuring visible identification and secure fiber routing, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cassettes or modules with adapters are used, then fiber optic connections can be established, but installation inefficiencies occur due to having to work with multiple individual adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual adapters into a single integrated connection block that can accommodate multiple fiber optic connectors simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need to handle and install multiple separate adapters, directly improving installation efficiency while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection block serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses multiple connectors, enables adapter-less connections, and facilitates cable management. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, improving both installation efficiency and reducing complexity.
2Reliability
If adapters are individually installed in cassettes or modules, then fiber optic connections can be made, but adapter wiggle occurs due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connector receptacles into a single rigid connection block structure, the patent eliminates the relative movement (wiggle) that occurs between separately mounted adapters. The unified structure ensures consistent alignment and eliminates manufacturing tolerance accumulation across multiple individual adapter installations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting multiple separate adapters onto a cassette, the patent inverts the approach by integrating multiple connector receptacles directly into the connection block structure itself, making the connection block the primary structural element rather than an accessory component.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cassettes or modules are used with interior chambers, then fiber optic cables can be housed, but access for cleaning and reconfiguration is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the enclosure (top wall or cover) from the traditional cassette structure, leaving an open connection block that maintains all necessary functional elements. This extraction provides direct access to fiber optic cables and connectors for cleaning and reconfiguration while eliminating unnecessary structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traditional enclosed cassette into an open framework structure where only the essential connection block remains. This segmentation removes non-essential enclosing parts while preserving the core functional elements, improving accessibility without compromising connection integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional cassettes or modules with top walls or covers are manufactured, then fiber optic cables can be enclosed, but manufacturing costs increase and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the top wall or cover from the traditional cassette design, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble this component. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material consumption, and decreases waste generation while maintaining the essential functionality of the fiber optic connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
By eliminating the permanent enclosure structure, the patent creates a more simplified, potentially disposable or easily replaceable connection block design. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and material usage, aligning with principles of reducing waste and simplifying production.
Data Source
AI summary
A support frame configured to provide adapter-less fiber optic connections for fiber optic cables including a connection block configured to be fixedly coupled with a main body. A front wall of the main body includes a surface configured to abut a surface of the connection block, the connection block includes a connection port configured to receive a first fiber optic connector, and the front wall of the main body includes a connection port configured to receive a second fiber optic connector. The connection port of the connection block is configured to be aligned with the connection port of the main body such that the connection block and the main body are configured to optically couple the first fiber optic connector with the second fiber optic connector, and the connection block and the main body are configured to provide an adapter-less fiber optic connection for the first and second fiber optic connectors. The connection block may be a single piece of unitary construction.