Fiber Optic Backplane Connector Chassis for Blind-Mate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern data processing systems face challenges in achieving high interconnect density, maintaining signal integrity, ensuring mechanical robustness, managing thermal loads, and facilitating efficient serviceability for blind mate optical backplane connections, particularly in high-density optical communication pathways.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic backplane connection system with a backplane adapter assembly and a multi-connector chassis that allows for simultaneous blind mating and unlatching of push-pull fiber optic connectors through a mechanism that enables relative floating movement between the connectors and adapter, using a cradle portion with connector retainers and a cover to secure and guide the connectors during insertion and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical backplane interconnects are used, then electrical connections are established, but signal integrity deteriorates at high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical interconnects with optical communication pathways using fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter assembly with push-pull connectors enables optical signal transmission instead of electrical signals, resolving the contradiction between maintaining signal integrity and achieving high data rates, as optical communication provides superior bandwidth and reduced interference compared to electrical connections.
2Quantity of substance
If high-density optical communication pathways are implemented, then interconnect density increases, but mechanical robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector system into modular components: a multi-connector chassis containing multiple push-pull fiber optic connectors, a fiber optic adapter assembly with individual connector ports, and a backplane adapter assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall mechanical robustness through standardized interfaces and secure mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fiber optic connectors into a single multi-connector chassis that can be simultaneously mated with multiple connector ports in the fiber optic adapter assembly. This merging approach maintains mechanical robustness by providing a unified structural unit while achieving high interconnect density through parallel connections.
3Reliability
If blind mate connector systems are used, then connection reliability improves, but serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic latching and unlatching mechanisms in the push-pull fiber optic connectors. The latching mechanism ensures reliable blind mate connections by automatically securing the connector upon insertion, while the unlatching mechanism enables easy serviceability by allowing controlled release when needed, thus balancing connection reliability with maintenance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-pull connector design enables self-aligning and self-latching functionality during insertion, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or manual adjustment. The connector automatically engages with the adapter assembly through its own structural features, improving serviceability while maintaining connection reliability through consistent self-contained mating behavior.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular architectures with removable modules are implemented, then adaptability improves, but connection stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal connector interfaces that can accommodate different module types while maintaining consistent connection stability. The fiber optic adapter assembly and multi-connector chassis use standardized mounting mechanisms and alignment features that work across various module configurations, enabling adaptability without compromising connection stability through interface standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
In a fiber optic backplane connection system, a backplane adapter assembly has a fiber optic adapter supported on a panel. The fiber optic adapter defines a plurality of connector ports arranged in a row. In a backplane connector assembly, a multi-connector chassis is mounted on a module body and is movable in relation to panel and the backplane adapter assembly along a z-axis. A plurality of push-pull fiber optic connectors are mounted on the multi-connector chassis and mateable with the connector ports. The multi-connector chassis holds the push-pull fiber optic connectors on the module body such that the push-pull fiber optic connectors are all simultaneously blind mated with the connector ports of the fiber optic adapter by the module body moving backward from the first position and the second position. Floating movement between the push-pull fiber optic connectors and the fiber optic adapter is permitted.