Fiber Optic Receptacle Alignment Assembly Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic receptacles face challenges in providing secure alignment and strain relief against mechanical and environmental influences, particularly due to deformation of biasing springs during assembly and the need for additional seals in two-piece designs, which complicates field installations and exposes components to adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fiber optic receptacle design with a retainer secured to the internal end of the housing, allowing insertion and removal of the alignment assembly from the back-side only, featuring tapered biasing member supports to prevent spring buckling and a loose fit, eliminating the need for internal seals and enhancing accessibility for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-piece receptacle design is used to provide external access to the alignment assembly, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases and additional seals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into a housing and a removable retainer assembly that can be separated to access the alignment assembly. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to remove the retainer and access components internally without disassembling the entire receptacle, improving accessibility while maintaining structural integrity through the housing- retainer separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly is designed as a removable component that can be extracted from the housing to access the alignment assembly. This extraction mechanism allows maintenance personnel to remove the retainer and access components internally without disassembling the entire receptacle, improving accessibility while maintaining structural integrity through the housing- retainer separation.
2Ease of operation
If biasing springs are used to provide float between ferrules, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to spring deformation and buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly includes pre-formed spring supports and alignment features that guide and constrain the biasing springs during assembly and operation. These beforehand cushioning structures prevent spring deformation and buckling by providing proper alignment and load distribution, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the float function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring supports are designed with specific geometric parameters including tapered surfaces and precise positioning features that control spring compression and prevent buckling. By optimizing these parameters, the system maintains the float function while preventing spring deformation under operational loads.
3Reliability
If mechanical coupling is used to secure the plug ferrule within the alignment assembly, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to limited float
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly incorporates spring-loaded features that provide dynamic adjustment and float between the plug ferrule and alignment assembly. This dynamic mechanism allows the ferrule to move within controlled limits, maintaining secure coupling while enabling necessary float for proper alignment and operation.
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
The design ensures precise alignment and secure mating of optical connectors, provides strain relief against pulling forces up to 600 lb/ft, and passes freeze/thaw cycle testing without internal seals, improving durability and ease of maintenance while reducing assembly damage to biasing springs.
Implementation Method 1
Recent receptacle designs include a biasing member, for example one or more linear springs, for providing float.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic receptacle includes a receptable housing defining an internal cavity opening through an internal end and an opposing external end; an alignment assembly disposed within the internal cavity defined by the receptacle housing and received through the internal end, the alignment assembly comprising a plurality of alignment supports and an alignment sleeve having ends contained with each alignment support; and a retainer for retaining the alignment assembly within the internal cavity defined by the receptacle housing, the retainer having an opening and a plurality of tangs disposed about the opening.