Optical Fiber Distribution Panel Merging LC and MPO Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MPO-LC optical fiber distribution apparatuses face challenges with space wastage and increased manufacturing costs due to the placement of LC and MPO connectors on opposite ends of the housing, making connector insertion and removal cumbersome and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber distribution apparatus with a panel featuring a first mounting hole and spaced second mounting holes, allowing stacked optical fiber connector adapters to be inserted through the first hole and MPO connectors to be inserted into the second holes, reducing space usage and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LC adapters and MPO connector adapters are located on the front and rear ends of the housing respectively, then the optical fiber distribution apparatus can be used for managing optical signals, but insertion and removal of optical fiber connectors become troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both LC adapters and MPO connector adapters on the same front panel of the housing, rather than separating them on opposite ends. This merging of adapter types on a single accessible panel eliminates the operational inconvenience of accessing adapters on different ends of the device, while maintaining full optical signal management functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If first insertion holes are formed at the rear end of the housing and second insertion holes at the front panel, then LC adapters and MPO connector adapters can be inserted, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates all adapter insertion holes (both for LC adapters and MPO connector adapters) on the front panel, eliminating the need for separate rear insertion holes. This reduces the total number of holes that need to be formed during manufacturing, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining full adapter insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel is designed to serve multiple functions: it accommodates both LC adapter insertion holes and MPO connector adapter insertion holes, making it a universal interface for all connector types. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized rear insertion holes, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If second insertion holes occupy most part of the front panel for insertion of LC adapters, then LC adapters can be inserted, but space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insertion holes for LC adapters and MPO connector adapters into the same front panel area, arranging them in a space-efficient configuration. This combined layout eliminates the need for separate dedicated areas for each adapter type, optimizing front panel space utilization while maintaining full insertion capability for both adapter types.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber distribution apparatus includes a panel extending along a first direction and formed with a first mounting hole and at least two second mounting holes spaced apart from the first mounting hole along the first direction. A plurality of rows of optical fiber connector adapters are arranged in a stack in a direction transverse to the first direction and are inserted into the first mounting hole. At least two multi-fiber push on (MPO) connector adapters are respectively inserted into the at least two second mounting holes.