Adapter Assembly for Dissimilar Fiber Optic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adapter assemblies struggle to properly align and protect dissimilar fiber optic connectors from mechanical forces such as side loading, rotational, and tensile forces, especially when mating connectors of different types like MTP and CON2R-MT.
Innovation Solution
The adapter assembly features a housing with interchangeable alignment sleeves and a plug housing design that includes slots and protrusions to minimize side loading forces, using guide channels and ribs to maintain precise alignment and stability, accommodating various connector types and providing resistance against mechanical forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional adapter assemblies are used to mate dissimilar fiber optic connectors, then connector alignment is achieved, but side loading forces and mechanical stresses damage the connectors
Solution Approach 1:
A plug housing is introduced as an intermediary component between the adapter assembly and the fiber optic connector. The plug housing includes a stabilizing member that extends into the adapter assembly, providing mechanical support and force distribution. This intermediary structure protects the connector ferrule from direct exposure to side loading forces while maintaining precise alignment through guide channels and alignment features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapter assemblies are designed for dissimilar connector types, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly employs a universal plug housing design that can accommodate multiple dissimilar connector types through interchangeable alignment sleeves. The plug housing structure itself remains consistent across different connector configurations, providing a standardized interface while the alignment sleeves are swapped to match specific connector types. This multi-functional approach enables the same basic adapter structure to work with various connector types without requiring completely different adapter designs for each pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a universal plug housing, interchangeable alignment sleeves, and a stable housing. This segmentation allows the complex task of accommodating dissimilar connectors to be broken into manageable components. The alignment sleeves are the only parts that need to be changed for different connector types, while the plug housing and stable housing remain constant, simplifying the overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If alignment sleeves are fixed in the adapter housing, then alignment precision is maintained, but adaptability to different connector types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sleeve configuration is made dynamic and interchangeable rather than fixed. The plug housing includes guide channels that can accommodate different alignment sleeve designs, and the stable housing provides retention mechanisms that allow alignment sleeves to be swapped based on the specific connector types being mated. This dynamic approach enables precise alignment for each connector pairing while maintaining adaptability to various connector types.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly for receiving and maintaining mating fiber optic connectors, comprising an adapter housing defining at least one feature for engaging with at least one plug housing engaged with at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors, and at least one alignment member maintained within the adapter housing for receiving connective ends of each of the first and second fiber optic connectors. An adapter assembly for receiving and maintaining mating first and second fiber optic connectors, wherein the connectors may be similar or dissimilar and while reducing side load forces through the use of a stabilizing member.