Anti-jam Alignment Sleeve Holder for Ferrule Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-density fiber optic connectors face issues with misalignment and jamming of ferrule assemblies, leading to increased signal loss and component failure due to the inability to accommodate smaller Form Factor Pluggable Transceivers (SFPs), which obstructs efficient maintenance and reduces quality of service in communication networks.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a front body with a groove and recess, and a rear body that forms a housing with a cavity for the ferrule assembly, featuring lead-ins that guide the ferrule assembly to align properly under spring force, preventing jamming by ensuring the ferrule collar engages with the alignment sleeve, thus maintaining the required separation distance between fiber strands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If connector size is shrunk to increase high-density panel connectivity, then connector density is improved, but ferrule assembly alignment precision deteriorates causing misalignment and jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector densityVSAvoidferrule assembly alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Lead-ins are provided in the alignment sleeve that engage the ferrule collar before the ferrule assembly fully inserts into the alignment sleeve. These lead-ins preliminarily guide and align the ferrule assembly, ensuring proper positioning even in compacted high-density configurations where alignment tolerance is reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lead-ins act as an intermediary element between the ferrule assembly and the alignment sleeve. They mediate the insertion process by providing a transition surface that guides the ferrule collar into proper alignment, preventing direct contact between misaligned surfaces that would cause jamming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If spacing between adjacent connectors is reduced to increase panel density, then connector density is improved, but ferrule assembly alignment precision deteriorates causing misalignment and jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector densityVSAvoidferrule assembly alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ferrule assembly size is reduced to accommodate smaller SFPs, then adaptability to future transceivers is improved, but ferrule assembly alignment precision deteriorates causing misalignment and jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to smaller SFPsVSAvoidferrule assembly alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If operator uses tool to activate release mechanism in dense connector group, then connector operation is achieved, but support time increases due to obstructed line of sight and tool guidance difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector release operationVSAvoidsupport time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing includes a window that allows the release mechanism to be visually accessed and operated without requiring physical manipulation with tools. The operator can directly actuate the release mechanism through the window, eliminating the need for tool guidance and reducing support time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

5Reliability

If ferrule assembly becomes misaligned and stuck in alignment sleeve opening, then connector operation fails causing signal loss, but no mechanism exists to prevent this jamming condition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector operation reliabilityVSAvoidferrule assembly jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution effectively prevents ferrule assembly jamming, reduces signal loss, and facilitates easier maintenance by ensuring proper alignment and insertion of ferrule assemblies, enhancing the quality of service and reducing support time in high-density connector panels.

Implementation Method 1

under spring force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11092760B2Anti-jam alignment sleeve holder or connector housing for a ferrule assembly

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 SENKO ADVANCED COMPONENTS INC

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a device and system of devices including: a connector housing comprising an alignment sleeve therein with a plural of angled surface and at least one opening, or an internal cavity of said connector housing has the same configuration as said alignment sleeve. Upon inserting ferrule assembly within an opening of said housing, a contact point on a collar or flange of said assembly moves along angled surfaces until it engages an opening between angled surfaces for securing ferrule assembly within connector housing without jamming.