Fiber Optic Adapter Assembly Selective Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connector configurations face challenges in reliably maintaining the necessary force for an optimal optical connection between opposing ferrules, leading to inconsistent stress and reduced interoperability.
Innovation Solution
The optical adapter assembly includes a mounting member and an adapter member that restricts movement of a fiber optic cable in the longitudinal direction, using a sleeve and jacket engagement members to manage engagement forces and maintain consistent connection pressure, allowing for reliable optical coupling even with male-male configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiber optic connectors use physical engagement of ferrules to maintain optical connection, then the structure is simple, but the force to maintain appropriate optical connection cannot be reliably maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable management member as an intermediary component between the fiber optic cable and the ferrule. This member includes a compression member that applies controlled force to the ferrule, ensuring reliable maintenance of connection force without requiring direct rigid attachment of the ferrule to the cable. The intermediary cable management member distributes and manages the engagement forces effectively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid ferrule attachment is used to maintain connection force, then the connection stability is improved, but the adaptability to different cable configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic force management system where the cable management member can adapt to different cable configurations. The compression member allows for adjustable force application, enabling the system to accommodate various cable types and configurations (including male-male) while maintaining stable ferrule connection. The selective lockable adapter member further enhances this adaptability by allowing optional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the cable management member design, particularly in the compression member's force application characteristics. By adjusting the compression force and its distribution, the system can adapt to different cable configurations and maintain optimal connection stability across various scenarios, including challenging male-male configurations.
3Reliability
If selective lockable adapter member is added to manage forces, then the reliability of force maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adapter assembly into distinct functional segments: a mounting member for cable attachment, a cable management member with compression mechanism for force application, and an optional selective lockable adapter member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to assemble while maintaining high reliability through specialized force management in the cable management member.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical adapter assembly includes a mounting member and an adapter member selectively coupled to the mounting member, the adapter member including an adapter housing extending in the longitudinal direction, a jacket engagement member that is selectively positionable within the fiber insertion path and that is structurally configured to engage an outer jacket of a fiber optic cable positioned within the fiber insertion path, a sleeve positioned at least partially within the adapter housing and extending around the fiber insertion path, and a mounting member engagement portion that is engaged with the mounting member and that restricts movement of the adapter member with respect to the mounting member in the longitudinal direction.