Fiber Optic Ferrule Adapter With Angled Insertion Slope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern high-capacity optical systems require precise mechanical and optical alignment of fiber optic ferrules and connectors to prevent signal loss, and existing adapters lack durability and ease of in-field assembly for repeated installations and uninstallations.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic ferrule adapter with a holder and receptacle housing that secures multi-fiber optic ferrules using protrusions and a groove to prevent movement, and a slope for angled insertion and extraction, along with an optional outer housing and mounting plate for enhanced stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fiber optic adapter uses a simple holder design for mating ferrules, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and retention reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a holder for the ferrule, a receptacle housing for the connector, protrusions for lateral retention, a groove for longitudinal retention, and a slope for insertion facilitation. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex adapter to be designed as a collection of simple, well-defined parts that work together to achieve precise alignment without requiring the entire structure to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary mechanical feature between the ferrule and the holder, providing a positive stopping point that prevents longitudinal movement. Similarly, the protrusions serve as intermediary elements that engage with the ferrule to prevent lateral movement. These intermediary features enable precise alignment without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the adapter uses a secure retention mechanism with protrusions and groove, then the reliability of ferrule retention is improved, but the ease of operation for insertion and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slope is pre-configured on the holder to guide the ferrule during insertion. This preliminary geometric feature automatically aligns and directs the ferrule into the correct position before it engages with the retention protrusions and groove, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment by the operator and facilitating smooth insertion despite the secure retention mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a static barrier to a dynamic engagement system. During insertion, the ferrule dynamically engages with the slope first, then sequentially engages with the protrusions and groove. During removal, the ferrule can be extracted by overcoming the groove's longitudinal retention and the protrusions' lateral retention in a controlled manner, maintaining reliability while enabling operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the adapter is designed for durable repeated installations and uninstallations, then the duration of action is extended, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into a holder assembly and a receptacle housing that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using appropriate processes, then joined through simple assembly operations. The modular structure facilitates both durable construction and ease of assembly, as each segment can be pre-manufactured to high standards and then combined without requiring complex integrated manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic ferrule adapter for mating a multi-fiber optic ferrule and a multi-fiber optic connector includes a holder having a cavity where a multi-fiber optic ferrule is held therein, and a receptacle housing with an opening that allows the insertion of a fiber optic connector. The holder has a top opening for receiving the ferrule into its cavity; and two protrusions, which are respectively protruded from each interior side walls of the holder, for latching the ferrule in place inside the cavity. The holder includes a groove recessed on the interior walls of the cavity for catching a ridge on the ferrule so as to prevent any longitudinal movement of the ferrule inside the cavity. The cavity may include a slope next to an interface between the cavity and receptacle housing for allowing the sliding in-and-out of the ferrule at an angle to the top of the holder opening.