Fiber Optic Connector Axial Float Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors lack sufficient tolerance in mating mechanisms, leading to overdriving and potential damage of fiber optic cables due to variability in the location of the transceiver within the receptacle connector.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fiber optic connector assembly with a connector housing, base, and a coupling interface component, where the optical fiber connectors are slidably joined to the connector base, allowing axial movement along the center axis, providing increased tolerance and preventing overdriving by floating relative to the connector housing when engaging the mating connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engagement between plug connector and receptacle connector advances the optical fiber ends through the receptacle connector, then the optical fibers are mated with the transceiver, but the transceiver location variability causes overdriving and damage to the optical fiber ends
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber connector is made dynamically adjustable through a threaded coupling mechanism that allows the connector to be rotated and positioned at different angular orientations. This enables the optical fiber ends to be precisely aligned with the transceiver regardless of its position within the tolerance range, preventing overdriving while ensuring reliable mating across varying transceiver locations
2Ease of manufacture
If the receptacle connector has fixed tolerance for transceiver location, then assembly is simplified, but the tolerance is insufficient to avoid overdriving optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing fixed manufacturing tolerances, the invention introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism (threaded coupling) that allows the connector to adapt to transceiver position variations. This maintains straightforward assembly procedures while providing the necessary precision through post-assembly adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of connector positioning from a fixed dimensional tolerance to an adjustable angular parameter. By allowing rotation along the threaded coupling, the system can compensate for position variations without requiring tighter manufacturing tolerances
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector housing, a connector base, and an optical fiber connector. The connector housing extends along a center axis from a mating end to a cable receiving end with a passage extending therebetween. The mating end is received in a mating connector that is mounted to a panel. The connector base is secured to the mating end of the connector housing and includes a channel extending therethrough. The channel receives an optical fiber. The optical fiber connector is coupled to the optical fiber and mates with the mating connector to optically couple the optical fiber with the mating connector. The optical fiber connector is slidably joined to the connector base to permit the optical fiber connector to axially move along the center axis relative to the connector housing when the connector housing mates with the mating connector.