Single-Port Blind-Mate Fiber Connector With Spring Push Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connector designs with ganged adapters are bulky, require precise alignment, and waste space when port configurations change, leading to stress on the card and inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector assembly with a bracket and spring push mechanism that allows for flexible alignment and connection to a backplane adapter, reducing stress on the card and enabling efficient use of space by allowing single or multiple port configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If latch based handshaking is used to align ganged adapter with backplane adapter, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the latch mechanism from the ganged adapter design. Instead of using latches for handshaking and alignment, the adapter relies on a simplified bracket structure that directly mounts to the daughter card without requiring complex alignment latches, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the fiber optic connectors, enables mounting to the daughter card, and facilitates alignment with the backplane adapter all without requiring separate latch components. This multi-functional design reduces overall adapter complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If ganged adapter is directly mounted to daughter card with bulky components, then structural stability is improved, but footprint and space utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector system into individual single-port connectors rather than requiring a ganged adapter that houses multiple connectors. This segmentation allows each connector to be mounted independently with a compact bracket, reducing the overall footprint on the backplane while maintaining structural stability through proper mounting design
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design utilizes vertical mounting orientation and three-dimensional space optimization to reduce the horizontal footprint on the backplane. By arranging components in the vertical dimension and optimizing spatial utilization, the adapter achieves stable mounting with minimal backplane real estate consumption
3Ease of operation
If latch components are included for handshaking, then alignment capability is improved, but adapter footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch components are completely removed from the design. The patent achieves alignment capability through the bracket's inherent mechanical structure and mounting geometry rather than through separate latch mechanisms, thereby eliminating the footprint overhead associated with latch components while maintaining ease of alignment operation
4Manufacturing precision
If fixed port configuration is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector system into independent, modular single-port connectors that can be individually mounted and configured. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different port configurations (single port, dual port, or other arrangements) while each individual connector maintains precise manufacturing tolerances and alignment characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, static ganged adapter configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable arrangement where individual connectors can be selectively mounted and positioned. This dynamic approach allows the same bracket and connector design to accommodate varying port requirements while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized interfaces and mounting features
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
The assembly provides stress-free alignment and efficient use of space, enabling flexible port configurations without the need for bulky latches, thus optimizing connector performance and resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a spring push operably connected to at least a portion of the bracket and disposed within a portion of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector assembly is mated with a bracket on a printed circuit board at one end and inserted into a backplane adapter that is adjacent a backplane. In particular a spring push in slidingly attached to the bracket and also to the housing of the fiber optic connector assembly. The housing of the fiber optic connector assembly insertable into the backplane adapter using passive alignment features. A fiber optic ferrule in the fiber optic connector assembly is biased in a forward direction by a spring in the spring push. At the same time the spring allows for movement of the spring push within the housing to allow for movement of the printed circuit board relative to the backplane adapter.