Miniature Multi-Fiber Connector Assembly for Dense Pulling Sock Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnect systems face challenges in accommodating miniature multi-fiber ferrules (TMT ferrules) within pulling socks due to their smaller size, which complicates installation and reduces packing density in data center applications.
Innovation Solution
A cable bundle design incorporating a push-pull stick with side latches, a ferrule push, a housing, and a dust cap, allowing TMT ferrules to be included inside the pulling sock with a push-pull mechanism, and a pre-populated MMC connector, and a pre-assembled MMC connector to be directly inserted into an adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional MT ferrules are used in the pulling sock, then the installation process is simplified, but the spatial density and packing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: the pulling sock contains only the ferrule and push mechanism, while the housing and dust cap are separate. This segmentation allows the pulling sock to be optimized for ease of operation with larger ferrules, while the overall assembly achieves high spatial density through compact housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule is nested within the housing, and the dust cap is nested over the ferrule. The push mechanism is integrated into the housing structure. This nesting arrangement allows compact packaging of all components within the housing volume, achieving high spatial density while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated push mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If miniature multi-fiber ferrules (TMT ferrules) are used to increase spatial density, then the connector footprint is reduced, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is pre-installed into the housing with the push mechanism in advance of the final assembly. This preliminary action simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of separate steps required, while the compact TMT ferrule design maintains high spatial density.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule, push mechanism, and housing are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be installed as one unit. This merging reduces installation complexity by eliminating the need to separately install and align multiple components, while the TMT ferrule maintains compact dimensions for high spatial density.
3Productivity
If the pulling sock is opened and MMC connector is pulled out for direct insertion, then installation speed increases, but the packing density of components inside the pulling sock decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling sock is segmented to contain only the essential ferrule and push mechanism components, excluding the housing and dust cap. This segmentation allows the pulling sock to be compact and densely packed, while the separate housing and dust cap can be attached after the ferrule is pulled out for direct insertion, maintaining high installation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and dust cap are pre-assembled with the ferrule in a compact configuration that fits within the pulling sock. This preliminary action allows the pulling sock to maintain high packing density while still enabling rapid installation by pulling the pre-assembled unit for direct insertion into the adapter.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical interconnect assembly includes a pre-terminated trunk cable assembly with a cable bundle having a plurality of optical fiber trunk cables terminating in ribbonized groups of optical fiber and a plurality of terminated small form factor fiber optic connectors for inclusion in a pulling sock attached to the plurality of optical fiber trunk cables. Each of the connectors has a push-pull stick with a pair of side latches on opposing sides of the central portion, a ferrule push, a housing configured to engage the push-pull stick and the ferrule push, a miniature multi-fiber ferrule, and a dust cap. The components are provided inside the pulling sock with at least one additional one of the plurality of terminated small form factor fiber optic connector identical to the first small form factor fiber optic connector.