Fiber Optic Adaptor Assembly Interlocking Grooves Tongues
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fiber optic adaptor assemblies require multiple molded sizes to accommodate different optical fiber cable lengths and types, leading to increased production costs and inflexibility in network configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular fiber optic adaptor assembly design featuring a main body with parallel base walls, lateral walls, connecting grooves, and tongues that allow for flexible alignment and assembly without dedicated molding, enabling adaptation to various distribution hubs and cable alignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molded sizes of fiber optic adaptors are used to accommodate different optical fiber cable lengths and types, then the adaptability to various distribution hubs and cable configurations is improved, but the production cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic adaptor is divided into multiple separable components: a body portion, a cable access portion, and a closure portion. These segments can be manufactured using single molds and assembled in different configurations to accommodate various cable lengths and distribution hub types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized molds while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion is designed as a universal component that can interface with different distribution hubs and cable types. The cable access portion can be configured in multiple positions (first, second, and third positions) to accommodate different cable lengths, allowing a single adaptor design to serve multiple functions and configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molded sizes of fiber optic adaptors are used to accommodate different optical fiber cable lengths and types, then the adaptability to various distribution hubs and cable configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the adaptor into modular components (body portion, cable access portion, closure portion), the design achieves adaptability through configuration rather than complexity. Each segment has a defined function and can be positioned differently, creating versatility without requiring complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor incorporates movable or reconfigurable elements, such as the cable access portion that can be positioned in multiple locations. This dynamic capability allows the same physical components to adapt to different configurations, reducing the need for multiple fixed designs and simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flexible, assembly-based design is used instead of molded, single-piece design, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly-based design divides the adaptor into separate manufacturable components that can be produced using standard molding processes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing while maintaining overall functionality, reducing the need for expensive custom molds while introducing modular assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single assembled unit that provides the complete adaptor functionality. The body portion, cable access portion, and closure portion work together as an integrated system, achieving the functionality of a complex single-piece design through simpler, separate components that are easier to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic adaptor assembly includes a main body that includes two parallel and spaced-apart main base walls, two lateral walls, three spaced-apart connecting grooves, and two spaced-apart connecting tongues. Each of the lateral walls is connected between the main base walls. The main base walls and the lateral walls cooperatively define an installation hole thereamong. The connecting grooves are formed in one of the lateral walls, and the connecting tongues protrude from the other one of the lateral walls. The connecting tongues are adapted to separably and respectively engage any two adjacent ones of the connecting grooves of another one of the main body.