Fiber Adapter Mount with Lateral Clamping Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices for data transmission cable connections require significant free space above the fixture for removing adapter modules, limiting the density of adapters that can be arranged in a defined space and necessitating high forces for removal.
Innovation Solution
The novel handling device allows adapter modules to be removed to the side with a reduced free space requirement, utilizing a protrusion and clamp-like holding elements with angled faces to facilitate easy mounting and increased density, and leveraging a pivot mechanism for efficient removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adapter modules are removed vertically from the fixture, then secure connections are maintained, but significant free space above the fixture is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the removal direction from vertical (z-axis) to lateral (x-axis or y-axis). The adapter module is designed with a protrusion that engages with clamp-like holding elements on the fixture, allowing the module to be pulled out sideways rather than lifted vertically. This dimensional change eliminates the need for significant clearance above the fixture while maintaining secure connection during operation.
2Quantity of substance
If adapter density is increased in a defined space, then space efficiency improves, but removal forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-like holding elements are designed to be flexible or spring-loaded, providing dynamic clamping force. When an adapter module is inserted, the clamps automatically adjust to provide secure holding. During removal, the lateral pulling motion overcomes the elastic resistance of the clamps, allowing easy extraction without requiring excessive force. This dynamic mechanism enables high adapter density while maintaining manageable removal forces.
3Ease of operation
If mounting forces are reduced for easy installation, then ease of operation improves, but secure connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force application principle: instead of requiring high mounting forces that are then maintained, the design uses low mounting forces to engage the protrusion with the clamp-like holding elements. The secure connection is achieved through the geometric interlocking of the protrusion shape (with angled faces) and the clamp structure, which provides mechanical advantage and self-locking during lateral insertion, rather than relying on high insertion forces.
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 enables higher adapter density in a given space with lower mounting forces and higher removal forces, enhancing usability and space efficiency while maintaining secure connections.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusion (26) has first and second sections with first and second faces, respectively, forming a first angle alpha and a second angle beta, whereby the first angle alpha is smaller than the second angle beta
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A handling device (10) for connections between data transmission cables, especially for fiber optic connections between fiber optic cables, comprising: a fixture (11); a plurality of adapter modules (12) mountable side by side in a first direction on the fixture 11), whereby the or each adapter module (12) is individually removable from the fixture (11) and individually mountable on the fixture (11), whereby the or each adapter module (12) comprises at least one adapter (14), and whereby the or each adapter (14) is configured to hold connectors and connect data transmission cables at a rear side and a front side of the respective adapter module (12). The fixture (11) comprises a mounting surface (24) having a plurality of clamp-like holding elements (25). The or each adapter module (12) comprises a bottom wall (19) having at least one protrusion (26), whereby the or each protrusion (26) of the respective adapter module (12) is individually insertable into at least one of the clamp-like holding elements (25) for mounting the respective adapter module (12) on the fixture (11), and whereby the or each protrusion (26) of the respective adapter module (12) is individually removable from the respective clamp-like holding element (25) for removing the respective adapter module (12) from the fixture (11).