Fiber Optic Connector Assembly for Dense QSFP-DD Shielded Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connectors face challenges in high-density layouts due to complex unlocking mechanisms, limited channel density per unit volume, and inadequate electromagnetic shielding, particularly in quad small form pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) packaging.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector assembly with a locking fastener that allows for secure, one-dimensional connection and disconnection through forward or backward movement, utilizing an electromagnetic shielding material for the adapter terminal and optimizing the connector's structure to reduce width and size, featuring an elastic catch and forward extension arm for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elastic buckles are used in connector interfaces, then connection reliability is improved, but electromagnetic shielding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional elastic buckle structure from the connector interface and transfers the locking function to the adapter terminal through a dedicated locking structure. This extraction eliminates the need for elastic buckles at the connector interface, thereby improving electromagnetic shielding while maintaining connection reliability through the alternative locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking structure in the adapter terminal that acts as an intermediary to provide both mechanical locking and electromagnetic shielding functions. This locking structure engages with the connector terminal to provide reliable connection while the adapter terminal housing provides electromagnetic shielding, thus resolving the conflict between connection reliability and electromagnetic interference protection.
2Productivity
If connector width is reduced to increase channel density, then connection density per unit volume is improved, but unlocking complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional unlocking approach by providing the locking structure in the adapter terminal rather than in the connector terminal. This allows the connector to be pulled straight out for disconnection, simplifying the unlocking operation despite the reduced connector width and high-density configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the locking function from the connector terminal and places it in the adapter terminal. This segmentation allows the connector terminal to be designed with reduced width for high-density arrangements while the adapter terminal handles the locking mechanism, maintaining ease of operation through simple pull-to-disconnect action.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastic buckles are provided at connector interfaces, then connection stability is improved, but material selection is limited due to electromagnetic shielding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elastic buckle requirement from the connector interface design and relocates the locking function to the adapter terminal. This extraction allows the connector terminal to be made from electromagnetic shielding materials without compromise, while connection stability is maintained through the locking structure in the adapter terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the use of electromagnetic shielding materials for the connector terminal by removing the conflict with elastic buckles. The adapter terminal can now be constructed from composite or metal materials providing both structural support and electromagnetic shielding, while the locking structure provides the necessary connection stability.
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 solution simplifies connector operation, reduces electromagnetic interference, and accommodates multiple optical fibers in a smaller space, meeting packaging requirements and enhancing connection stability.
Implementation Method 1
The locking fastener includes an elastic catch extending from a side wall of the connection housing
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector and its assembly include a connector terminal and an adapter terminal. The connector terminal includes a connection housing, a ferrule assembly is provided in the connection housing, and a locking fastener and a backstop configured to fix the ferrule assembly are further provided in the connection housing. The locking fastener includes an elastic catch extending from a side wall of the connection housing. The adapter terminal includes an adapter housing made of an electromagnetic shielding material. The adapter housing is provided with a connection cavity corresponding to the connection housing, a locking structure matched with the elastic catch is provided in the connection cavity, and an adapter port in abutting joint with the ferrule assembly is further provided in the connection cavity.