Keyed Optical Multiport Structure for Compact Secure Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multiports for optical connections are bulky and inflexible, occupying excessive space and requiring cumbersome coupling mechanisms, which limits their deployment in compact environments and raises aesthetic and organizational concerns.

Innovation Solution

The development of multiports with compact form-factors featuring keying portions and securing features that allow direct, quick, and easy optical connections without the need for threaded couplings or bayonets, enabling dense port arrangements and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional multiports use separate receptacles attached through housing walls for hardened connectors, then robust optical connections are achieved, but the housing becomes excessively bulky and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobust optical connectionVSAvoidhousing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the receptacle and housing into a single integrated connection port structure. The connection port is formed directly in the housing wall with an integrated securing feature, eliminating the need for separate receptacles attached through the housing. This integration reduces the overall housing volume while maintaining robust optical connections through the keyed connection mechanism and securing features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate receptacles are mounted on the housing for hardened connectors, then optical connections are established, but sufficient room is required for drop cables and connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical connection capabilityVSAvoidspace for cables and connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection port integrates the receptacle, securing feature, and cable management elements into a single compact structure formed directly in the housing wall. This eliminates the need for separate receptacles and reduces the space required for cable routing and connector placement, allowing deployment in confined spaces such as underground pits and crowded pedestals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional multiports use threaded couplings or bayonets for securing connectors, then robust connections are achieved, but the coupling mechanisms are cumbersome and require rotation space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector securityVSAvoidconnector installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rotation and threading operations from the connection process by eliminating threaded couplings and bayonet mechanisms. Instead, it employs a keyed connection port with a securing feature that engages the connector through a simple push-in motion followed by automatic key engagement, removing the need for rotational movements and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical threading and bayonet rotation systems with a keyed engagement mechanism. The keying portion of the connector aligns with and engages the keyed connection port through linear motion, and the securing feature automatically locks the connector in place, substituting complex rotational mechanics with simpler linear engagement and automatic locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multiports use separate receptacles and coupling mechanisms, then optical connections are made, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (receptacle, securing feature, keying mechanism, and housing integration) into a single integrated connection port structure. This reduces the total number of components and assembly steps while maintaining compatibility with hardened connectors through the keyed interface and securing feature engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4071530B1Multiports and other devices having keyed connection ports and securing features and methods of making the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

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AI summary

A multiport (200) for making optical connections, comprising: a shell (210);a plurality of connection ports (236) each comprising an optical connector opening (238) extending from an outer surface (234) of the multiport (200) into a cavity (216) and defining a connection port passageway (233), the connection port passageway (233) comprising a keying portion (233KP); a plurality of securing feature passageways (245); a plurality of securing features (310) each securing feature (310) being associated with a respective connection port passageway (233), and each securing feature (310) comprises a locking member (310M) and an actuator (310A), wherein each securing feature is disposed within a portion of the securing feature passageway (245), and the securing feature (310) is capable of translating within a portion of the at least one securing feature passageway (245) wherein the at least one securing feature (310) translates from a retain position (RP) to an open position (OP) as a suitable fiber optic connector (10) is inserted into the at least one connection port (236).