Fiber Optic Faceplate Port Structure for Rattle-Free Adapter Fit

Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber optic adapters often slide or rattle within port openings due to manufacturing inconsistencies, leading to vibration concerns and a perception of low quality, and existing solutions like additional rear plates increase complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic adapter faceplate with raised buttons and curved relief slots in port openings that deflect to accommodate varying adapter dimensions, applying a compression force for secure fit without additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If additional rear plates are used to secure adapters, then adapter stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the additional rear plate component from the system and extracts its securing function into the port opening structure itself. The port opening is designed with a compressed state that directly engages with the adapter, eliminating the need for separate securing hardware while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the securing function with the port opening structure. The port opening is designed to be compressible and directly engage with the adapter through its own structural deformation, combining the functions of the port opening and the securing mechanism into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional rear plates are used to secure adapters, then adapter stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the additional rear plate component from the system and extracts its securing function into the port opening structure itself. The port opening is designed with a compressed state that directly engages with the adapter, eliminating the need for separate securing hardware while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the securing function with the port opening structure. The port opening is designed to be compressible and directly engage with the adapter through its own structural deformation, combining the functions of the port opening and the securing mechanism into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid port openings are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adapter fit quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidadapter fit quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the rigid port opening into a dynamic, compressible structure. The port opening is designed to deform elastically under compression to accommodate variations in adapter dimensions, providing a reliable fit while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the port opening from rigid to compressible. By designing the port opening with appropriate wall thickness and material properties, it can undergo controlled elastic deformation to accommodate adapter dimensional variations, improving fit quality without sacrificing manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides a secure, vibration-free fit for fiber optic adapters across a range of dimensions, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for extra mounting hardware.

Implementation Method 1

a raised button (106) is formed on a horizontal edge of the port opening (104), and an associated curved relief slot (108) is formed through the faceplate (102) near the button. This configuration allows the port opening to deflect sufficiently to accommodate a range of adapter dimensions, while also applying a compression force via the raised button that secures the adapter tightly within the port opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260099011A1Deflective structure to enhance interference fit of installed connectors and adapters

Publication Date: 2026.04.09 LEVITON MFG CO INC

AI summary

A fiber optic adapter faceplate comprises port openings and associated structural features designed to tightly hold fiber optic adapters or connectors in a secure manner that prevents sliding or rattling within the port openings. This is achieved in part by a raised button or protrusion formed on a horizontal edge of the port opening, which works together with a curved slot formed through the faceplate near the button to allow the edge of the port to deflect locally when an adapter or connector is inserted, providing a tight fit across a range of varying adapter dimensions.