Fiber Optic Adapter Holder With Low-Profile U-Shaped Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic adapter holders increase the overall height of the fiber optic adapter, which can be problematic for space-constrained environments.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece fiber optic adapter holder with upright arms forming a U-shaped pocket that retains the adapter without increasing its overall height, allowing for mounting within the adapter's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fiber optic adapter holders with latching arms are used, then the adapter is securely retained, but the overall height of the adapter assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter retention securityVSAvoidoverall height of adapter assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber optic adapter is nested within the U-shaped pocket region formed by the upright arms of the holder. The adapter fits inside the space defined by the arms, allowing secure retention without the holder extending above the adapter's top surface, thus reducing the overall assembly height while maintaining retention security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder design transitions from a vertical extension approach (latching arms extending above the adapter) to a lateral containment approach (U-shaped pocket formed by upright arms). By defining the retention space through the arms' spacing rather than their height, the solution resolves the contradiction between secure retention and minimal assembly height

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If taller holder structures are used, then adapter retention is more secure, but space efficiency in telecommunications equipment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter retention securityVSAvoidspace efficiency in equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is nested within the U-shaped pocket region, utilizing the lateral space between the upright arms rather than extending vertically. This nesting approach ensures secure retention through the pocket's geometry while minimizing the vertical footprint, thereby improving space efficiency in telecommunications equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution shifts from vertical space utilization (taller holders) to lateral space utilization (U-shaped pocket between arms). By containing the adapter within the horizontal span of the upright arms, the design achieves secure retention with reduced vertical dimension, improving overall space efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3948376B1Fiber optic adapter holder; assembly; and method
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3948376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3948376B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3948376B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapter holder that includes a base member and a plurality of upright arms that extend upwardly from the base member. The plurality of upright arms together may define a pocket region that has an open, U-shape. A fiber optic adapter may be received in the open, U-shaped pocket region of the fiber optic adapter holder. When the fiber optic adapter is mounted within the pocket region of the fiber optic adapter holder, a height of the fiber optic adapter holder may be lower than or equal to a height of the fiber optic adapter.