Tool-less Fiber Optic Connector Grouping Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-density fiber optic connectors in systems make insertion and removal difficult, and organization and identification challenging due to their tight packing and large numbers, leading to increased labor costs and potential routing errors.

Innovation Solution

A tool-less grouping apparatus for fiber optic connectors, featuring a main body with openings and forward-facing surfaces that allow for easy linking and grouping of connectors without requiring tools, enabling simultaneous insertion and removal of multiple connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If connectors are tightly packed into high density systems, then space utilization is improved, but insertion and removal difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidinsertion and removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides connectors into groups of multiple connectors that can be inserted and removed as a single unit through the grouping apparatus. This segmentation allows tight packing while maintaining ease of operation through grouped handling rather than individual connector manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grouping apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the connector and the adapter. It provides a mechanical interface that enables tool-free insertion and removal of multiple connectors simultaneously, mediating the interaction between tightly packed connectors and external operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If connectors are tightly packed into high density systems, then space utilization is improved, but organization and identification difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidorganization and identification difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connectors are merged into a single grouped unit within the grouping apparatus, allowing them to be handled and identified as one entity. This combining preserves organizational structure and identification capability even when connectors are tightly packed in high-density configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple connectors are grouped together, then routing errors are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting error reductionVSAvoidgrouping apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grouping apparatus is designed to be self-contained with integrated features for holding, organizing, and managing multiple connectors. The self-service design reduces the need for external tools and complex operational procedures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If connectors are inserted individually, then precision can be maintained, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector insertion precisionVSAvoidlabor costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The grouping apparatus is pre-configured with multiple opening positions and holding structures that prepare multiple connectors for simultaneous insertion. This preliminary arrangement maintains insertion precision while enabling batch processing, thereby reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9606303B2Grouping device for high density connector arrangements

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 US CONEC LTD

AI summary

A tool-less grouping apparatus has a main body with a top portion and a bottom portion. Dividing members extending between the top and bottom portions make openings for fiber optic connectors. Forward facing surfaces may be on both the top and bottom portions to engage the fiber optic connectors. The portions also have cut-outs that can engage the fiber optic connectors to assist in removing the fiber optic connectors from adapters.