Behind-the-wall optical connector resilient latch design
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber optic connectors in data centers are costly due to the numerous components required for their construction, which increases the overall cost of building and maintaining these networks.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned behind-the-wall (BTW) fiber optic connector with a resilient latch instead of a tension spring, reducing the number of components while maintaining connector reliability and functionality, such as removing the extender cap and boot, and using a latching member to secure the ferrule flange, allowing for easier insertion and removal without increasing breakage risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional behind-the-wall connectors are used with multiple components (extender cap, boot, tension spring), then connector reliability and functionality are maintained, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extender cap and boot from the connector assembly, extracting only the essential components needed for functionality. The ferrule flange is designed to be directly received by the resilient latch without requiring these additional protective components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through the resilient latch mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the extender cap, boot, and tension spring into a single integrated resilient latch mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the essential functions of protection, retention, and release, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing reliability
2Reliability
If traditional behind-the-wall connectors with tension spring are used, then ferrule flange retention is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tension spring from the assembly and replaces it with a resilient latch that integrates retention functionality directly into the connector housing. This elimination of the separate spring component reduces the number of parts to manufacture and assemble, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining ferrule flange retention through the resilient latch mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a resilient latch made from cost-effective materials that can be molded as an integrated component rather than assembled from multiple expensive precision parts like traditional tension springs. This approach reduces manufacturing cost while providing sufficient retention functionality for the connector's operational lifecycle
3Ease of manufacture
If connector components are reduced for cost savings, then manufacturing cost decreases, but connector reliability and breakage risk may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latch is designed to automatically engage and disengage the ferrule flange through its own elastic deformation without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms. This self-service capability ensures reliable retention and release while reducing the number of components that could fail, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the resilient latch to optimize both reliability and cost. By adjusting the elasticity, geometry, and material properties of the latch, the design achieves sufficient retention force and breakage resistance without requiring multiple expensive components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining acceptable reliability levels
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 cost-effective design reduces the number of components needed, lowering the production and maintenance costs of data centers while ensuring reliable connectivity and reducing the risk of connector breakage during use.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient latch 1156. The resilient latch 1156 may be formed from a resilient or elastic material, such as, but not limited to, a polymeric material or a metallic material
Data Source
AI summary
A behind-the-wall optical connector includes a ferrule having an annular collar projecting outwardly from a section of the ferrule and a plug frame receiving the ferrule in a central bore thereof, the plug frame including one or more resiliently-biased latches for gripping the ferrule annular collar to retain the ferrule within the plug frame. The optical connector may be fabricated inexpensively due to the low number of components. An optional boot may be provided. An insertion tool for assembling the optical connector is also described.