Fiber Optic Buildout Converter Interconnects Dissimilar Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors are limited in their ability to interconnect different interface styles, such as physical contact and expanded beam connectors, requiring cumbersome splicing or cutting of cables to achieve compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with both physical contact and expanded beam fiber optic connectors, allowing for optical communication between dissimilar interface styles through a common fiber optic element, enabling seamless interconnection of physical contact and expanded beam connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic cables are terminated with physical contact connectors, then optical power can be efficiently transmitted through direct core contact, but the connector can only connect to other physical contact connectors and not to expanded beam connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adapter as an intermediary device that couples a physical contact connector to an expanded beam connector. This adapter contains both a physical contact interface and an expanded beam interface, enabling connection between dissimilar connector types without requiring modification of the original connectors or cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides physical contact interface compatibility, expanded beam interface compatibility, and optical path alignment between the two different connector types. This multi-functionality allows a single device to bridge two otherwise incompatible connector systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic cables are terminated with expanded beam connectors, then connection flexibility is improved, but the connector can only connect to other expanded beam connectors and not to physical contact connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a mediator between expanded beam and physical contact connector systems, containing both interface types and enabling interconnection without requiring cable cutting or splicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to be self-contained with all necessary alignment and coupling mechanisms integrated within it, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex installation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different interface styles of fiber optic connectors are interconnected, then compatibility is improved, but misalignment or debris between interfaces can cause optical power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a protected intermediary that shields the interface between dissimilar connectors from environmental contaminants. Its housing design prevents debris ingress and maintains proper alignment between the physical contact and expanded beam interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates alignment features and protective structures that preemptively prevent misalignment and debris contamination before they can affect optical transmission, ensuring reliable connection from the moment of coupling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic cables are cut and spliced to achieve compatibility between different connector types, then interface compatibility is improved, but the complexity and time of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter provides an immediate plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need for time-consuming cable cutting, stripping, and splicing operations. Users simply connect the adapter to the existing connector, achieving interface compatibility in seconds rather than minutes or hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is pre-configured with the necessary optical interfaces and alignment mechanisms, eliminating the need for field preparation work such as cable cutting and splicing. All alignment and coupling preparations are completed during manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and economical means to interconnect fiber optic cables or bulkhead connectors with different interface styles, enhancing compatibility and reducing the risk of misalignment or debris-induced failures.
Implementation Method 1
The lens causes the optical power, or light, to diverge or expand before the optical power exits the fiber optic connector
Implementation Method 2
Physical contact connectors are characterized as such since one end of a ferrule of a first fiber optic connector physically contacts one end of a ferrule of a second fiber optic connector
Data Source
AI summary
The fiber optic buildout converter includes a housing, a first fiber optic connector, and a second fiber optic connector. The housing has a first end and a second end. The first fiber optic connector is located near the first end of the housing, and the first fiber optic connector has a first interface style. The second fiber optic connector is located near the second end of the housing, and the second fiber optic connector has a second interface style. The second interface style of the second fiber optic connector is different that the first interface style of the first fiber optic connector. Furthermore, the second fiber optic connector is in optical communication with the first fiber optic connector.