Mini Duplex Fiber Connector Carrier Latch for Reduced Ferrule Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the SFP and QSFP industry, the LC connector's large footprint due to its pitch limits its use in high-density applications, necessitating a reduction in the fiber optic ferrule pitch to minimize space usage while ensuring correct polarity and easy insertion/removal.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull type fiber optic assembly with a latch mechanism that includes a main body, latch body, and rail portion, allowing for reduced ferrule pitch and self-returning functionality, ensuring correct polarity and easy insertion/removal of LC fiber optic connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the LC connector is used, then the connection reliability is ensured, but the footprint is large due to the pitch between ferrules
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into two separate ferrule receptacles, each capable of holding a ferrule independently. This segmentation allows the ferrules to be positioned closer together while maintaining individual alignment and connection reliability, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the connector assembly.
2Area of stationary object
If the pitch between ferrules is reduced, then the footprint is minimized, but the polarity management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The two ferrule receptacles are positioned asymmetrically within the housing, with different orientations and positions relative to the housing boundaries. This asymmetric arrangement provides inherent polarity identification, where each receptacle's unique position and orientation indicate its specific polarity role, simplifying polarity management despite reduced pitch.
3Area of stationary object
If the footprint is reduced for high-density applications, then the space efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation for insertion and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded mechanism is incorporated that automatically pushes the ferrules forward into the mated position upon insertion and returns them to the unmated position upon removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning or complex latching operations, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact footprint.
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 solution reduces the overall footprint of the fiber optic connector, facilitates easy handling, and ensures correct polarity, enhancing the connector's usability in high-density applications by allowing for reduced pitch and self-returning functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the push-pull mechanism includes a flexure member connected to the latch body to bias the main body toward a front end of the fiber optic connector housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.