Fiber Optic Module Pushrod Latch for Splice Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber optic modules have limited interior space due to their compact form factor, restricting their ability to accommodate optical components like splice trays and fiber management features without requiring redesign of the rack or impacting their release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The fiber optic module is designed to elongate, utilizing a pushrod and latch system that allows it to increase in size, providing additional interior space for optical components while maintaining compatibility with standard racks and cabinets, allowing for splicing and fiber routing functions within the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fiber optic module is designed with a compact form factor to fit in 1-U space, then the connection density and bandwidth are improved, but the interior space becomes limited and cannot accommodate optical components like splice trays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the splice tray and fiber management components inside the existing fiber optic module housing. The splice tray is positioned in the interior space between the optical components and the housing walls, effectively nesting additional functionality within the compact 1-U form factor without increasing the external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension of the module interior to accommodate splice trays and fiber management features. By arranging components in three-dimensional space rather than just on the surface, the design maximizes the use of available interior volume while maintaining the standard compact external form factor.
2Volume of moving object
If the fiber optic module elongates to provide more interior space, then the capacity for optical components is improved, but the compatibility with standard racks and cabinets is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the module into distinct functional zones: a front section for optical connectors and adapters, a middle section for splice trays and fiber management, and a rear section for mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows the module to maintain its standard external dimensions for rack compatibility while internally organizing space to accommodate various optical components.
3Reliability
If the latch system is made more complex to secure the elongated module, then the retention reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latch mechanism from the main module body and positions it on an accessible external surface. The latch is designed as a separate, easily accessible component that can be operated independently without manipulating other parts of the module, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining secure retention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables high-density fiber optic modules to support splicing of pre-connectorized pigtail fibers while maintaining port density, combining module and splice functions in a single component without altering the standard form factor or release mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned between the pushrod and the fiber optic module
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for releasably attaching a fiber optic module to equipment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a latch configured to releasably attach the fiber optic module to equipment. The apparatus further comprises a pushrod configured to deactivate the latch from a back end of the fiber optic module, wherein the fiber optic module is released from the equipment. In one embodiment, the fiber optic module is a high-density fiber optic module. The pushrod may be further configured to maintain a position of the latch. The pushrod may also be further configured to be positioned in a groove disposed in a side of a main body of the fiber optic module, wherein the pushrod and the groove are configured to prevent the pushrod from binding while moving within the groove.