Optical Fiber Connector Label Module for Fast Visual Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical fiber connector assemblies in network nodes require dedicated recognition apparatuses for accurate plugging, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency in large-scale recognition processes.

Innovation Solution

A label component with a connecting piece and label module is applied to the optical fiber connector body, allowing for optical fiber connector assemblies to be recognized through visual or photographic means, eliminating the need for dedicated recognition apparatuses and improving recognition efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RFID recognition method is used for optical fiber connector assemblies, then recognition accuracy is improved, but recognition efficiency deteriorates due to sequential recognition requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidrecognition efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the RFID recognition system with a visual label system that can be captured by photographing. Multiple connector assemblies are photographed simultaneously, creating a visual copy of all label information in one image. This allows parallel recognition of multiple connectors, dramatically improving recognition efficiency while maintaining accuracy through clear label information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If RFID recognition method is used for optical fiber connector assemblies, then recognition accuracy is improved, but system cost increases due to dedicated recognition apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex RFID recognition system with a simple visual photographing system. Instead of using electromagnetic RFID signals and dedicated recognition apparatus, the solution uses optical photographing with terminal devices to capture label information. This dramatically reduces system cost and complexity while maintaining recognition accuracy through clear visual labels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The label information on the connector assemblies serves its own recognition function without requiring external RFID tags or readers. The visual labels are inherently readable by photographing, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for expensive dedicated recognition apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If visual label system is used on optical fiber connector assemblies, then recognition efficiency is improved, but label visibility may be compromised in high-density adapter scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition efficiencyVSAvoidlabel visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the label module's target surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector body, orienting it toward the adapter opening. This dimensional orientation ensures that label information faces outward and is visible from the front, allowing clear photographing even in high-density adapter scenarios where connectors are closely packed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The label module is specifically positioned on the connector assembly with its target surface oriented toward the adapter opening. This localized positioning ensures that only the necessary label information is visible and photographable, while other parts of the connector remain unaffected. The label's specific orientation and position guarantee visibility without interfering with the compact adapter arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4386458B1Optical fiber connector assembly, label system, label module, and recognition method
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4386458B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4386458B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4386458B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose an optical fiber connector assembly, a label system, a label module, and a recognition method, to improve efficiency and accuracy of recognizing the optical fiber connector assembly. The optical fiber connector assembly includes an optical fiber connector body, a connecting piece, and a label module. The connecting piece is separately connected to the optical fiber connector body and the label module. The label module has a target surface. The target surface is opposite to a location of the optical fiber connector body. The target surface is used to set label information. The label information is used to identify the optical fiber connector body.