Fiber Optic Connector Locking and Keying for Compact Multiport Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic connectors and assemblies lack robustness and ease of use, particularly in challenging environments, often requiring specialized tools and risking damage from unintended forces, and do not facilitate efficient packing of multiple ports without increasing assembly size.

Innovation Solution

Fiber optic connectors with a locking portion and push-button securing members that allow non-destructive disengagement, enabling one-handed coupling and disengagement, and keying portions for rotational alignment, reducing the need for perimeter securing features and allowing closer port placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fiber optic connectors are used, then connection can be established, but robustness is insufficient and damage from unintended forces occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector robustnessVSAvoiddamage from unintended forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a resilient member that enables dynamic response to applied forces. The push-button securing member can be depressed to disengage the locking portion, allowing the connector to adapt to unintended forces while maintaining secure connection during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into distinct functional portions: a locking portion for secure engagement, a keying portion for rotational alignment, and a push-button securing member for controlled disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall robustness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If perimeter securing features are used, then connection stability is achieved, but assembly size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from perimeter-based securing to axial engagement. The locking portion engages along the connector axis rather than requiring perimeter features, enabling stable connection without increasing assembly footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The push-button securing member is nested within the connector housing, and the locking portion is integrated into the plug structure. This nesting allows multiple securing functions to be contained within the original assembly volume without requiring additional perimeter space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized tools are required for connection, then precise alignment is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidconnection simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keying portion features asymmetric geometry with specific contact surfaces that automatically guide rotational alignment during insertion. This asymmetric design ensures precise orientation without requiring specialized alignment tools or procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates self-aligning features including the keying portion and contact surfaces that automatically position components correctly during insertion. The resilient member also provides self-adjustment to maintain optimal alignment under varying installation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3646089B1Optical connectors with locking and keying features for interfacing with multiport, optitap, and SC hardware

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

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AI summary

Fiber optic connectors and connectorized fiber optic cables include connector housings having locking portions defined on the connector housing that allow the connector housing to be selectively coupled to a corresponding push-button securing member of a multiport assembly. Methods for selectively connecting a fiber optic connector to, and disconnecting the fiber optic connector from the multiport assemblies allow for connector housings to be forcibly and nondestructively removed from the multiport assembly.