Mini Duplex Fiber Connector Push-Pull Polarity for Dense Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The LC connector's large footprint in high-density applications necessitates a reduction in the pitch between fiber optic ferrules, and there is a need for an easy insertion/removal mechanism that ensures correct polarity and allows for field changes.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a housing with ferrule assemblies, springs, and a spring push mechanism that biases the ferrules towards the front, combined with a push-pull latch mechanism for easy insertion and removal, ensuring correct polarity and allowing self-returning after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the pitch between fiber optic ferrules is reduced to decrease connector footprint, then the area occupied by the connector is reduced, but the difficulty of insertion and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a housing containing ferrule assemblies and a separate latch component. The latch component acts as an independent segment that can engage and disengage from the housing, providing a mechanical advantage for insertion and removal operations even when the ferrule pitch is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch component provides a longitudinal engagement dimension that is separate from the transverse ferrule pitch. By operating in the longitudinal dimension through the latch mechanism, users can easily insert and remove connectors despite the reduced transverse pitch between ferrules.
2Ease of operation
If a latch mechanism is added to facilitate easy insertion and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch component is designed to be self-engaging and self-disengaging through a simple push-pull motion. The latch automatically engages with the housing when pushed and disengages when pulled, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch component utilizes changes in engagement state (engaged/disengaged) to provide functional complexity without structural complexity. The same physical component serves multiple functions: guiding insertion, providing latching, and enabling removal through state changes.
3Reliability
If the ferrule assemblies are biased toward the front end to ensure correct polarity, then the reliability of polarity alignment is improved, but the force required for insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The springs are pre-loaded to bias the ferrule assemblies toward the front end of the housing before insertion occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the connector is inserted, the ferrules are already in the correct polarity alignment, reducing the force needed during the actual insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs act as intermediary elements between the ferrule assemblies and the housing, mediating the force interaction. The springs provide a controlled, gradual biasing force that guides the ferrules into correct alignment without requiring excessive insertion force from the user.
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 reduces the connector's footprint, facilitates easy and secure insertion/removal, and ensures correct polarity, enhancing usability and density in high-density applications.
Implementation Method 1
two springs, each spring engaging a rearward facing surface of a respective ferrule holder and extending towards the rear end of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a spring push engaging a rear portion of each of the two springs to bias the ferrule assemblies toward the front end of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.