Fiber Optic Adapter Tool-Free Disengagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MPO fiber optic adapters require extra tools to disengage male connectors, potentially damaging components and complicating the disconnection process.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic adapter design featuring an outer casing with coupling members and an auxiliary member that moves between locked and open positions, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement of ferrule ends without tools, using guiding portions and protruded portions to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blocking members are used to secure the ferrule end in the plug hole, then the ferrule end is prevented from being easily disengaged, but extra tools are needed to push the blocking members away for disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed to automatically disengage when the ferrule end is pulled out. The protruded portions on the coupling members engage with corresponding grooves on the ferrule end, and when the ferrule end is withdrawn, the coupling members naturally move apart without requiring external tools, allowing the ferrule end to be freely removed.
2Ease of operation
If blocking members are pushed away to disengage the ferrule end, then the ferrule end can be removed, but the positioning member and blocking members may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed with elastic properties that allow them to automatically return to their initial positions after engagement. When the ferrule end is inserted, the coupling members deform elastically to secure it; when the ferrule end is removed, the elastic force naturally returns the coupling members to their initial state without requiring external force or tools, preventing damage to the positioning member and coupling members.
3Reliability
If the blocking members are mounted to the inner surface of the outer casing, then they can secure the ferrule end, but the structure becomes complex and requires extra tools for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure is segmented into modular components: the outer casing, multiple coupling members spaced apart, and a ferrule end with positioning members. Each coupling member independently engages with the ferrule end through protruded portions and grooves, allowing for simplified assembly and maintenance while maintaining secure engagement without complex interlocking mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If extra tools are used to push the blocking members away, then the ferrule end can be disengaged, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed to automatically disengage when the ferrule end is pulled out. The protruded portions on the coupling members engage with corresponding grooves on the ferrule end, and when the ferrule end is withdrawn, the coupling members naturally move apart without requiring external tools, allowing the ferrule end to be freely removed and enabling quick reconnection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic adapter includes an outer casing, two coupling members for removably engaging a ferrule end of a fiber optic connector and an auxiliary member for sleeving the ferrule end therein. The auxiliary member is operable to move relative to the coupling members between a locked position, where the coupling members are adapted to engage the ferrule end for preventing separation of the ferrule end from the fiber optic adapter, and an open position, where the auxiliary member moves the coupling members to disengage from the ferrule end, thereby allowing separation of the ferrule end from the fiber optic adapter.