Fiber Optic Receptacle With Alignment Sleeve Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic receptacle and plug assemblies are large in size, unable to meet high tensile load requirements, and lack environmental protection, particularly in high-density installations like FTTx, where compact and robust solutions are needed to accommodate various connector types with alignment and keying features.
Innovation Solution
The development of smaller-sized fiber optic receptacle and plug assemblies with alignment and keying features that securely mate like ferrule configurations, using a rigid shoulder for retention and O-rings for sealing, and incorporating alignment sleeves and ferrule assemblies to ensure proper alignment and strain relief against high tensile forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional two-piece receptacle housing is used, then alignment functionality is provided, but size is large and tensile load capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment sleeve and receptacle housing into a single integrated component. The alignment sleeve is received within the receptacle housing and retained by a ferrule retainer, creating a unified assembly that provides both alignment functionality and structural strength. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment components, reducing overall size while maintaining tensile load capacity through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle housing is constructed from a composite material or structure that combines the alignment功能的alignment sleeve with the structural receptacle housing. This composite approach allows the assembly to achieve both precise alignment capabilities and high tensile load capacity (up to 600 lbs) within a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between size and strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional receptacles are used, then connector functionality is provided, but adaptability to different connector types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle housing is designed with a universal configuration that can accommodate various types of fiber optic connectors (SC, LC, ST, FC, etc.) through standardized opening dimensions and alignment features. The integrated alignment sleeve provides consistent alignment functionality across different connector types, while the receptacle housing can be configured with appropriate opening sizes and shapes to receive different connector styles, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized receptacle designs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional receptacles are used, then connection functionality is provided, but environmental protection is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an O-ring seal within the receptacle housing to provide environmental protection. The O-ring creates a flexible sealing barrier that prevents contaminants, moisture, and other harmful environmental factors from entering the internal cavity where the ferrule and alignment features are located. This simple yet effective sealing solution protects the precision alignment components without adding significant structural complexity, as the O-ring integrates seamlessly into the receptacle housing design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly includes a fiber optic receptacle adapted to be mounted within a connector port of a network connection terminal and a fiber optic plug mounted upon an end of a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic receptacle and the fiber optic plug comprise complimentary alignment and keying features that allow the fiber optic receptacle to receive only a fiber optic plug of like ferrule configuration. The fiber optic receptacle includes an alignment sleeve insert operable for receiving and optically connecting at least one receptacle ferrule and at least one opposing plug ferrule. The receptacle is suitable for use in enclosures requiring a minimal receptacle penetration depth, wherein the fiber optic receptacle comprises a shoulder that is secured against an inner wall of the enclosure to provide strain relief against cable-pulling forces of up to about 600 lbs.