Optical Fiber Connector Adapter With Slider for Multi-Format Holding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems require separate adapters for each different configuration of optical fiber connectors, leading to increased time and risk of mishandling during testing and cleaning processes, and high inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
An adapter design that secures multiple configurations of optical fiber connectors, including Lucent Connector (LC) and Multi-fiber Push On (MPO), using a moveable slider body and snap fit arms to accommodate various connectors, along with an instrument receiving opening for cleaning tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate adapters are used for each connector configuration, then each connector type can be securely held, but the number of adapters increases and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple connector configurations (LC, MPO, etc.) through a single device. The internal structure includes adjustable retention mechanisms and positioning features that adapt to different connector types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters while maintaining secure holding for each connector type.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates movable components such as spring-loaded retention arms and adjustable positioning elements that can dynamically adapt to different connector configurations. These dynamic elements allow the adapter to securely hold various connector types without requiring separate fixed-structure adapters for each type.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate adapters are used for each connector configuration, then proper alignment can be achieved, but the time required for testing and cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter provides a universal alignment interface that maintains precise connector positioning across multiple connector types. By using a single adapter design with adaptive alignment features, technicians can perform testing and cleaning operations on different connector configurations without changing adapters, significantly reducing the time required for these operations while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter combines multiple alignment and retention functions into a single device that can handle different connector types. This merging of functions into one universal adapter eliminates the need to switch between multiple specialized adapters during testing and cleaning, thereby reducing operational time while preserving alignment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are maintained in inventory, then all connector types can be supported, but inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal platform that supports multiple connector configurations (LC, MPO, and other form factors) through a single device. This eliminates the need to maintain separate adapters for each connector type in inventory, reducing inventory quantity and costs while preserving full adaptability to support all required connector types.
4Reliability
If separate adapters are used for each connector configuration, then specific features can be optimized, but the risk of mishandling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal adapter design reduces mishandling risk by eliminating the need to select and switch between multiple specialized adapters. Technicians work with a single adapter type that is designed to accommodate various connector configurations, reducing the probability of selecting the wrong adapter or mishandling during the switching process, while still maintaining optimized features for each connector type through internal adaptive mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for securing a plurality of configurations of optical fiber connectors comprises a main body and a stop face in the main body that engages with a first configuration of connector to secure the connector in the adapter. A slider body is moveably coupled to the main body. As a second configuration of optical fiber connector is inserted into the main body, the second configuration moves the slider body toward the main body, thereby securing the second configuration of optical fiber connector in the adapter.