Modular Fiber Connector Plug for Multi-Adapter Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber connector plugs are not compatible with multiple types of fiber adapters, requiring separate plugs for each adapter type, leading to material waste and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fiber connector plug assembly comprising a connector main part and interchangeable kits that can form different plug configurations, allowing compatibility with various adapter types by using a single plug design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-type fiber connector plug is used, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but compatibility with multiple adapter types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber connector plug is divided into two segments: a universal connector main part and interchangeable adapter-specific kits. The connector main part contains common components (ferrule, main housing, positioning structures) that remain the same across all adapter types. The kits contain adapter-specific elements (front housing, sealing structures, locking mechanisms) that vary by adapter type. This segmentation allows a single main part to be compatible with multiple adapter types while maintaining structural complexity only where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector main part is designed with universal features including a standardized ferrule positioning structure, main housing with universal mounting interfaces, and a slot structure that can accommodate different ferrule configurations. This universal design enables the same connector main part to interface with various adapter types (SC, LC, FC, ST) through the interchangeable kit mechanism, achieving multi-functionality without increasing the complexity of the core components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fiber connector plugs are manufactured for each adapter type, then compatibility is ensured, but material waste and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into a reusable main part and disposable/interchangeable kits, the patent enables partial reuse of components. The connector main part, which contains expensive materials like precision-machined housings and positioned ferrules, is reused across multiple adapter types. Only the adapter-specific kit portions are replaced, significantly reducing material waste compared to manufacturing entirely separate plugs for each adapter type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery system where the connector main part is retained and reused after the adapter-specific kit is replaced. When upgrading or changing adapter types, the useful components (main housing, ferrule assembly, positioning structures) are recovered and reused, while only the adapter-specific elements are discarded or replaced. This reduces overall material consumption and waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connector design is implemented, then compatibility improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the precision requirements between the connector main part and the adapter kits. The connector main part requires high precision for ferrule positioning and housing alignment, but these precision features are standardized and reused. The adapter kits require precision for their specific adapter-type interfaces, but this precision is isolated to each kit type. This segmentation allows precision to be maintained where critical while reducing the scope of precision requirements overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector main part incorporates universal precision features such as standardized ferrule positioning slots, uniform housing mounting interfaces, and consistent alignment structures that work across all adapter types. By designing these precision features once in the universal main part rather than repeating them in every adapter-specific plug, the patent maintains high manufacturing precision while reducing the cumulative precision requirements across the entire product line.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a fiber connector plug assembly, a fiber connector assembly, and a communication device. The fiber connector assembly includes a connector main part and at least two kits, a front section of a ferrule in the connector main part is entirely located outside a main housing, and the at least two kits are capable of being detachably connected to the main housing to block the front section of the ferrule. The connector main part is selectively connected to one of the at least two kits to form a fiber connector plug, a slot is formed between the kit and the front section, and when the ferrule is inserted into a ferrule sleeve of a fiber adapter, an open end of the ferrule sleeve of the fiber adapter is located in the slot.