Hybrid LC Micro Connector Adapter With Floating Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid optical fiber adapters are bulky, occupying excessive space within modules and do not allow ferrules to float, which is essential for optimal optical performance.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid optical fiber adapter design that incorporates a spring mechanism at one end to support and allow floating of micro or simplified connectors, reducing the adapter's size within a module while maintaining optimal optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hybrid adapters are designed to couple full size connectors, then connector compatibility is achieved, but the adapter occupies excessive space within modules
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a micro connector receiver that nests within the housing, allowing the micro connector to be received in a compact configuration that reduces the overall volume occupied within the module compared to conventional full-size connector adapters
2Stability of the object's composition
If simplified connectors are held rigidly inside the adapter, then structural stability is achieved, but optical performance deteriorates due to inability of ferrules to float
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a spring mechanism that allows the micro connector to float dynamically within the receiver, enabling the ferrule to move and self-align under spring pressure, which optimizes optical contact between mated ferrules while maintaining structural stability through the spring's support
3Volume of moving object
If micro connectors are used instead of full size connectors, then space within module is reduced, but the adapter becomes more complex requiring spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges the spring mechanism with the housing structure, integrating the floating connector support function into the overall adapter design rather than adding it as a separate complex assembly, thereby reducing space within the module while managing structural complexity through integration
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 adapter occupies less space within modules, enabling better optical performance by allowing ferrules to float and reducing interference with module components, while maintaining compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (318) configured to couple to the second adapter end (304) such that the micro connector (308) received into the second adapter end is disposed between the spring (318) and the second adapter end (304), so as to allow floating of the micro connector
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid optical fiber adapter comprises a first adapter end configured to receive a first optical fiber connector, and a second adapter end configured to receive a second optical fiber connector of a different type from the first optical fiber connector. The hybrid adapter further comprises a spring configured to couple to the second adapter end such that the second optical fiber connector received into the second adapter end is disposed between the spring and the second adapter end, so as to allow floating of the second optical fiber connector. In one embodiment, the first optical fiber connector is an LC connector and the second optical fiber connector is a micro connector. The hybrid adapter may be coupled to a module such that the second adapter end protrudes into the module, requiring less space inside the module compared to conventional hybrid adapters, without sacrificing optical performance.