Fiber Optic Connection Interface for High-Density Pass-Through Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic installations face limitations in fiber density due to the large cross-sectional area consumed by connectors, which restrict the overall fiber count and density, especially in space-constrained environments like data centers and campus networks.
Innovation Solution
A connection interface for fiber optic cables that securely holds terminated optical fibers while allowing pass-through fibers to extend through, minimizing the overall cross-sectional area by using a body with holding bores for terminated fibers and channels/through-bores for pass-through fibers, thereby maintaining a uniform cross-sectional dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to terminate optical fibers, then fiber optic connections can be established, but the large cross-sectional area of connectors limits fiber density and overall fiber count
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a traditional connector design where all fibers terminate at the same cross-sectional plane to a multi-dimensional arrangement where pass-through fibers extend beyond the connector body in the longitudinal dimension. This allows the cable assembly to maintain a compact cross-sectional area while accommodating higher fiber counts by utilizing the length dimension for fiber routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber group is segmented into two distinct subsets: terminated fibers that connect at the connector interface and pass-through fibers that extend through the connector body to terminate at a different location. This segmentation allows the connector to serve multiple functions within a compact form factor, maintaining connection reliability while reducing the cross-sectional area requirement.
2Quantity of substance
If more connectors are added to increase fiber count, then more connections are available, but the overall cable assembly size increases beyond installation specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides termination points for some fibers while simultaneously serving as a pass-through conduit for other fibers. This multi-functionality allows a single connector component to accommodate a higher fiber count without requiring additional connector bodies, thereby maintaining the cable assembly within installation size specifications.
3Area of stationary object
If connectors are staggered to reduce overall dimension, then space utilization improves, but connector complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple staggered connectors into a single integrated connector body. Instead of using separate connectors positioned at different locations along the cable, the unified connector design incorporates both terminated and pass-through fiber pathways within one component, simplifying the overall structure while achieving the same space-saving effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection interface for a fiber optic cable carrying a plurality of optical fibers. The connecting interface includes a body having a first face, a second face and a sidewall joining the first face and the second face. The sidewall includes an outer portion that defines a periphery of the body and an inner portion. The body also includes at least one holding bore. The at least one holding bore is configured to receive a first group of optical fibers from the plurality of optical fibers. Additionally, the inner portion is configured to passively receive a second pass-through group of optical fibers from the plurality of optical fibers that extends past the connection interface. A cable assembly including a fiber optic cable and one or more connection interfaces is disclosed, and a method of forming a fiber optic cable assembly with one or more connecting interfaces is also disclosed.