Intelligent Fiber Connector Assembly with RFID and EEPROM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber connector assemblies lack intelligent systems for identifying the presence and exchanging information about fiber optic cables, leading to inefficiencies in cable management and data storage within network devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fiber optic cable connector with a housing and ferrule, a sleeve with a media interface housing and electrical storage media like EEPROM, and an adapter with a presence detecting switch and storage media read/write interface, along with an optional RFID tag for enhanced identification and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional fiber connector assemblies are used without intelligent systems, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to identify and exchange information about fiber optic cables is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification technologies (RFID tags, EEPROM memory, presence detecting switches) into a single fiber connector assembly, merging passive identification with active information storage and detection capabilities. This allows the assembly to both identify presence and exchange information about the fiber optic cable simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component that houses both the RFID tag and EEPROM memory, mediating between the connector and adapter. This intermediary structure enables information exchange without requiring direct integration of all components into a single unit, thus managing complexity while enhancing information capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If fiber connector assemblies include intelligent systems with storage media and RFID tags, then cable management and data storage capabilities improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber connector assembly is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating RFID tags for wireless identification, EEPROM memory for data storage, and presence detecting switches for connection status monitoring. This universal design allows a single assembly to perform multiple functions (identification, information exchange, presence detection) that would traditionally require separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly includes presence detecting switches that automatically detect when a connector is inserted into an adapter, and storage media that automatically store and provide cable information. These self-service features enable automatic cable management and identification without requiring manual intervention or external systems.
3Reliability
If presence detecting switches and storage media are integrated into the adapter, then information exchange capability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intelligent system into distinct functional modules: RFID tags embedded in the sleeve, EEPROM memory housed in a media interface housing, and presence detecting switches positioned in the adapter. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides embodiments of fiber optic cable connectors, sleeves for fiber optic cable connectors, fiber optic cable adapters and fiber optic connector assemblies that incorporate intelligent systems that can identify presence and exchange information.