Fiber Optic Adapter Assembly for Single-Hand Ruggedized Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic connector systems require two-handed operation for secure connection and disconnection of ruggedized cables, which can be cumbersome in confined or elevated installations.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-optic adapter assembly with a retention collar that automatically engages with a ruggedized fiber-optic cable upon mating, allowing single-hand locking and unlocking through a spring-biased mechanism, featuring a coupling interface with interlocking features that inhibit inadvertent rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional two-handed operation mechanism is used for securing ruggedized fiber-optic cables, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates in confined or elevated installations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidsingle-hand operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention collar is spring-biased to automatically engage with the ruggedized connector upon insertion, creating a self-securing mechanism that does not require manual manipulation of both hands. The spring force automatically pulls the collar into the engaged position, making the connection secure through self-service action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retention collar is designed as a movable component that transitions between engaged and disengaged states. The spring bias provides dynamic force to maintain the collar in the engaged position during normal operation, while allowing controlled movement for intentional disconnection, creating a dynamic security mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a spring-biased retention collar mechanism is implemented for automatic engagement, then the ease of operation improves to single-hand operation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-hand operation capabilityVSAvoidspring-biased mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention collar, spring bias mechanism, and coupling interface features are merged into a single integrated assembly. The spring is positioned within the collar structure itself, and the interlocking features are combined with the retention elements, reducing overall system complexity through merging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locking mechanism through spring bias, creates the interlocking engagement with the connector, and maintains the optical alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If interlocking features are added to the coupling interface to inhibit inadvertent rotation, then the reliability of the connection improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinhibition of inadvertent rotationVSAvoidcoupling interface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface incorporates asymmetric interlocking features including a ramp surface that engages with a corresponding asymmetric feature on the connector. This asymmetric geometry provides directional locking that prevents inadvertent rotation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling interface uses curved or rounded interlocking surfaces rather than sharp angular features. The rounded geometry of the interlocking elements provides smooth engagement and rotation inhibition while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables secure, single-hand connection and disconnection of ruggedized fiber-optic cables, improving usability in challenging installation environments.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-biased mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250383509A1Fiber optic connectors and fiber optic connection systems

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A fiber optic adapter assembly including a main body having a first end defining a ruggedized connector port and a second end defining a non-ruggedized connector port, and a retention collar configured to mount over an exterior of the main body, wherein one or more features defined by the retention collar interact with a coupling arrangement inserted into the retention collar to shift the retention collar axially relative to the main body from an extended position to a retracted position, whereupon rotation of the coupling arrangement relative to the retention collar from a non-interlocked position to an interlocked position axially shifts the retention collar relative to the main body back to the extended position, thereby inhibiting back rotation of the coupling arrangement from the interlocked position to the non-interlocked position.