Backward Compatibility Converter for Fiber Optic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cable connection systems require frequent upgrades to improve performance and compatibility with existing components, necessitating backward compatibility with existing adapters to avoid replacing all connectors and adapters during upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A backward compatibility converter is designed to provide a mechanical interface for fiber optic connectors, allowing them to be compatible with existing adapters, featuring a converter housing with a central passage, coupling nut, and sealing member, enabling secure and sealed connections with existing adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic connectors are upgraded to improve performance, then connector performance is improved, but compatibility with existing adapters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical interface converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the upgraded fiber optic connector and the existing adapter. The converter includes a conversion body with a first end that interfaces with the upgraded connector and a second end that interfaces with the existing adapter, enabling compatibility without compromising the performance improvements of the new connector design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all fiber optic connectors and adapters are replaced during an upgrade, then system compatibility is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade process is segmented into two independent parts: the upgraded fiber optic connector and the mechanical interface converter. This allows the expensive and complex adapter infrastructure to remain unchanged while only the connectors and small converter components are replaced, significantly reducing the scope and cost of the upgrade.
3Reliability
If mechanical interface is changed in upgraded connectors, then connector performance is improved, but interface compatibility with existing adapters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface converter acts as a mediator that translates between the new connector interface standard and the existing adapter interface standard. The converter body includes appropriate interface features at each end to match the respective standards, allowing performance improvements in the connector while maintaining stable compatibility with existing adapters.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a backward compatibility converter including a converter housing having a first end positioned opposite from a first second end. The first end of the converter housing includes an end wall defining a first opening. The second end of the converter housing defines a second opening. The converter housing defines an internal passage that extends through the converter housing from the first opening to the second opening. The first end of the converter housing includes two paddles that project outwardly from the end wall. The paddles are positioned at opposite sides of the first opening and include inner surfaces that oppose each other. The converter housing defines internal threads located within the internal passage. The backward compatibility converter also includes a coupling nut rotatably mounted about an exterior of the converter housing adjacent the second end of the converter housing. The backward compatibility converter further includes a sealing member mounted about the exterior of the converter housing at al location between the coupling nut and the first end of the converter housing.