Dual Alignment Key Optical Connector for High Density Data Centers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-density optical connectors in data centers face challenges with accessibility and reliability due to physical obstructions, which can lead to overstressing of cables and connectors, compromising network performance and integrity.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical connector design that accommodates multiple LC-type optical ferrules within a compact footprint, featuring a push-pull tab mechanism and flexible receptacle hooks, allowing for easy connection and disconnection without tools, and enabling polarity changes without risking the delicate fiber cables and ferrules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If connector size is shrunk to increase density, then connector density is improved, but accessibility to release mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is repositioned from the front face to the rear face of the connector, utilizing the depth dimension. This allows operators to access the release mechanism from the rear without needing to navigate around adjacent connectors, effectively resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining high connector density on the panel.
2Quantity of substance
If spacing between adjacent connectors is reduced to increase density, then connector density is improved, but cable stress and connector integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a body portion that remains fixed on the panel, and a removable plug portion that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the body to maintain stable spacing and structural integrity on the dense panel, while the plug provides the necessary cable connection and release functionality without compromising overall reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If tool-based release mechanisms are used to access dense connectors, then connector density is improved, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to be actuated directly by the operator's fingers from the rear of the connector, eliminating the need for external tools. The operator can simply push the release mechanism with a finger to disengage the latch and remove the plug, significantly reducing operational time and complexity while maintaining high connector density.
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 design enhances connector density, reduces support costs, and improves network reliability by simplifying the connection process, reducing the risk of damage to optical fibers, and allowing for flexible reconfiguration to match varying optical-electrical component capacities.
Implementation Method 1
A mating receptacle (transceiver or adapter) includes a receptacle hook and a housing with an opening that accommodates the receptacle hook in a flexed position as the optical connector makes connection
Implementation Method 2
ferrule springs for urging the optical ferrules towards a mating receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector holding two or more LC-type optical ferrules is provided. The optical connector includes an outer body, an inner front body accommodating the two or more LC-type optical ferrules, ferrule springs for urging the optical ferrules towards a mating receptacle, and a back body for supporting the ferrule springs. The outer body and the inner front body are configured such that four LC-type optical ferrules are accommodated in a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver footprint or eight LC-type optical ferrules are accommodated in a quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) transceiver footprint. A mating receptacle (transceiver or adapter) includes internal alignment slots configured to accept a corresponding alignment key on connector outer housing to ensure alignment and orientation for maximum signal transfer between opposing ferrule end faces.