Floating Fiber Optic Adapter Module With Single-Spring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic adapter assemblies face issues with improper spring seating leading to uneven biasing of the adapter sleeve, causing misalignment and difficulty in assembly, which affects the alignment and protection of fiber optic connectors.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic adapter assembly featuring a single biasing member, such as a compression coil spring, concentrically aligned with an adapter module, provides even biasing and allows for a floating disposition within a housing, reducing assembly complexity and minimizing the adapter's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple springs are used to bias the adapter sleeve, then the biasing force is sufficient, but improper spring seating occurs leading to uneven biasing and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates multiple springs from the system, retaining only a single biasing member. This simplification removes the complexity of seating multiple springs correctly while maintaining sufficient biasing force through the single member's optimized design, thereby preventing misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple springs into a single biasing member that performs all necessary biasing actions. This unified approach ensures even force distribution and proper alignment by eliminating the variability inherent in assembling and seating multiple separate spring components.
2Force
If multiple springs are used for biasing, then the adapter can maintain proper force, but assembly complexity increases and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple spring components and their associated seating mechanisms, reducing assembly steps and complexity. The single biasing member requires no complex seating procedures, streamlining the assembly process while maintaining the necessary biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
By consolidating multiple spring functions into one integrated biasing member, the patent reduces the number of parts to assemble and the overall adapter size. This merged component achieves the combined force requirements of multiple springs with a single streamlined structure.
3Force
If multiple springs are used, then adequate biasing is achieved, but the adapter size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the volume occupied by multiple springs and their seating structures. The single biasing member occupies minimal space within the adapter housing, reducing the overall adapter size while still providing adequate biasing force through its optimized geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The merged single biasing member consolidates the space requirements of multiple springs into one compact component. This unified structure achieves the necessary force output with a smaller footprint, reducing the adapter's overall volume and allowing for more compact design.
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 single biasing member ensures consistent and accurate alignment of fiber optic connectors, improving assembly efficiency and reducing the adapter's size while maintaining optimal mechanical and optical coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a compression coil spring configured to bias the adapter module in a direction toward the first exterior end and compressible in a direction toward the first interior end
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic adapter assembly is provided with a floating adapter module. The adapter assembly includes a housing, an adapter module, and a single biasing member disposed in the housing and concentrically aligned with the adapter module. The single biasing member can bias the adapter module in a direction toward an end of the housing and be compressible in the opposite direction toward the other end of the housing.