Compact Fiber Optic Connectors With Modular Footprint Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors face challenges in providing quick, easy, and cost-effective deployment and connectivity in outdoor communication networks, particularly in environments with limited space and space-sensitive installations, while maintaining environmental sealing and compatibility with various connector types.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact fiber optic connectors with modular designs, allowing for easy conversion between different connector footprints and incorporating features like multi-stage ferrule tuning and asymmetric housings to ensure proper alignment and sealing, enabling efficient deployment and connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hardened fiber optic connectors are mounted on robust and relatively stiff fiber optic cables, then connection reliability is improved, but space consumption increases and deployment flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: a compact connector body, a flexible cable assembly with integrated strain relief, and modular mounting elements. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain reliability while reducing overall space consumption and improving deployment flexibility in limited spaces such as vaults and poles
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly incorporates flexible sections and strain relief mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different installation environments. The flexible cable portion can bend and conform to space constraints while the connector body remains stable, enabling deployment in both aerial and buried configurations without compromising connection reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fiber optic cable assembly is routed through existing walls or buried ducts, then deployment versatility is improved, but the size of the connector becomes more critical and space constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body employs an asymmetric design with a compact cylindrical form factor that optimizes space utilization in various routing configurations. The asymmetric strain relief structure and cable entry points are positioned to accommodate wall penetration and duct routing while minimizing the connector's overall volume footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design features nested components where the ferrule is housed within the connector body, which is in turn integrated with the cable assembly. This nested structure reduces the overall connector volume while maintaining all necessary functional elements for reliable connection in space-constrained deployment scenarios
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with universal mounting features and standardized interface elements that can accommodate different connector types (e.g., LC, SC, ST) through modular adapter components. This multi-functional design allows a single base connector structure to support multiple connector types without increasing overall design complexity, as the complexity is isolated to interchangeable adapter elements rather than the core connector body
Data Source
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AI summary
Fiber optic connectors comprising multiple footprints along with cable assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical connector comprises a housing and a ferrule. The housing comprises a longitudinal passageway between a rear end and a front end. The fiber optic connector may be converted from a first footprint to a second footprint by a conversion housing that fits about a portion of the housing. The optical connectors disclosed may be tunable for improving optical performance and may also include a spring for biasing the ferrule to a forward position as desired.