Removable Hook Insert for Fiber Optic Adapter Polarity Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-fiber connectors occupy excessive space in data centers due to their large size and number of parts, hindering the efficient increase of data transmission capacity and speed despite the high density of fiber optic cables.
Innovation Solution
A reduced-profile adapter assembly with a removable hook insert that allows polarity change without disassembling the connector, featuring a first mating structure that corresponds with a second mating structure on the connector, enabling polarity reversal by rotating and reinserting the hook insert, and tools for easy removal and insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-fiber connectors are used to connect multiple fibers, then the connection reliability is improved, but the space occupied increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into separate functional components: a housing, a removable hook insert, and a retention mechanism. The hook insert can be removed and replaced to change polarity, allowing the same physical adapter to serve multiple connection configurations without requiring separate connectors for each fiber arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook insert is designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming a static connector into a dynamic system. Users can remove the hook insert, rotate it 180 degrees, and reinsert it to change the polarity of the fiber connection without replacing the entire connector assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors with built-in polarity change features are used, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polarity change functionality is extracted from the connector itself and placed into a separate, removable hook insert. This allows the main connector housing to remain simple and conventional, while the polarity change capability is provided by a separate component that can be easily removed and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable hook insert acts as an intermediary component between the connector housing and the fiber cables. It provides the polarity change function without requiring the connector housing itself to be complex, as the hook insert mediates between the simple housing and the fiber connection requirements.
3Productivity
If the number of fiber optic cables and connections is increased within existing space, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the space required for connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed to handle multiple fiber configurations through a single universal housing that can accommodate different hook inserts. The removable hook insert can be rotated to change polarity, allowing one adapter to serve multiple fiber connection purposes, thereby increasing the number of connections per unit space.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter based connector polarity changer is described. A hook insert is placed into an adapter receptacle at a first end or second, and is removable with a removal tool. A hook insert may be permanently placed into an adapter receptacle. The hook insert oriented in the receptacle in a first position and with a first mating structure interconnects with corresponding connector second mating structure to configure the connector in a first polarity, and the hook insert removed and oriented in a second position with the first mating structure interconnects with corresponding connector second mating structure to configure the connector in a second polarity.