Fiber Optic Adapter Faceplate With Deflective Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic adapters often slide or rattle within port openings due to manufacturing inconsistencies, leading to vibration concerns and a perception of low quality, and existing solutions like additional rear plates increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic adapter faceplate with raised buttons and curved relief slots in the port openings that deflect to accommodate varying adapter dimensions, providing a secure fit without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid port openings are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adapters slide or rattle due to dimensional inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The port opening transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic structure with flexible sections that can deflect and adapt to dimensional variations in adapters. The flexible section between the button and relief slot allows the port opening to deform elastically, providing a secure fit for adapters with varying dimensions while preventing sliding or rattling.
Solution Approach 2:
The port opening incorporates a flexible section that acts as a thin, deformable structure capable of bending and deflecting. This flexible section allows the port opening to conform to the adapter dimensions and apply consistent contact pressure, ensuring stability without requiring additional complex components.
2Reliability
If additional rear plates are added to secure adapters, then adapter stability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged into the port opening structure itself through the button and flexible section mechanism. Instead of using a separate rear plate, the port opening integrates the adaptation and securing functions, eliminating the need for additional components while maintaining adapter stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The port opening structure serves itself by using the button and flexible section to automatically adapt to and secure the adapter. The relief slot enables the flexible section to deflect and apply contact pressure, creating a self-adjusting securing mechanism that does not require external components or complex assembly.
3Reliability
If port openings are made flexible to accommodate dimensional variations, then adapter stability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port opening design changes the geometric parameters by introducing a relief slot that allows controlled deformation. This structural modification enables the port opening to accommodate dimensional variations in adapters through elastic deflection, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while maintaining stability.
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 ensures adapters are tightly secured, preventing sliding or rattling, while maintaining compatibility across a range of dimensions, thus enhancing system quality and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
This configuration allows the port opening to deflect sufficiently to accommodate a range of adapter dimensions, while also applying a compression force via the raised button that secures the adapter tightly within the port opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic adapter faceplate comprises port openings and associated structural features designed to tightly hold fiber optic adapters or connectors in a secure manner that prevents sliding or rattling within the port openings. This is achieved in part by a raised button or protrusion formed on a horizontal edge of the port opening, which works together with a curved slot formed through the faceplate near the button to allow the edge of the port to deflect locally when an adapter or connector is inserted, providing a tight fit across a range of varying adapter dimensions.