Modular Fiber Optic Connector Assembly for Rugged Adapter Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors lack flexibility in compatibility with various styles and types of fiber optic connectors or adapters, particularly in ruggedized environments, limiting their adaptability and sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system for making fiber optic connectors that allows pre-terminated cables to be customized with different shrouds, housings, and fasteners, including turn-to-secure fasteners and ruggedized adapters, enabling compatibility with multiple connector styles and providing sealing and rotational guidance, while a small form-factor connector core can be used directly with a ruggedized adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-terminated fiber optic cable uses a fixed connector assembly, then the connector structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the cable cannot be customized to be compatible with different styles or types of fiber optic connectors or adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into a reusable pre-terminated cable core and separate interchangeable exterior assemblies. The cable core contains the ferrule, fiber, and basic connector components, while the exterior assemblies include shrouds, keying arrangements, and fastening elements that can be selected and attached based on the desired connector style compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-terminated cable core is designed with universal features that allow it to work with multiple types of exterior assemblies. The core includes a standardized mounting interface and sealing mechanism that can accommodate different shroud configurations, keying arrangements, and fastening elements, enabling a single cable core to be customized for various connector styles including SC, LC, ST, and other form factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different ruggedized exterior assemblies are provided for different connector styles, then compatibility with various adapters is achieved, but the inventory complexity and selection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior assemblies are segmented into modular components that can be independently selected and attached to the cable core. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce a limited set of standardized exterior assemblies that can be combined with any cable core, reducing overall inventory complexity compared to producing completely different connector assemblies for each style.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable core acts as an intermediary component that standardizes the interface between the fiber optic cable and various exterior assemblies. By providing a universal mounting interface and sealing mechanism on the core, the system mediates between different connector style requirements and the underlying fiber connection, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Strength
If a connector assembly provides robust fastening arrangements for ruggedized environments, then resistance to pull loading and side loading is improved, but the fastening mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are designed with localized reinforcement features specifically at the points where pull and side loads are applied. The shrouds include ribbed structures and reinforced mounting areas that provide enhanced mechanical strength only where needed, rather than requiring the entire connector assembly to be overly robust, thus balancing strength requirements with overall simplicity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If environmental sealing is provided in ruggedized connectors, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but the sealing arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism utilizes flexible sealing elements such as elastomeric seals and gaskets that conform to the mating surfaces of the connector components. These flexible sealing films provide effective environmental protection by creating tight seals at the interfaces between the cable core and exterior assemblies, and between mating connectors, without requiring complex multi-layer sealing structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for making or assembling fiber optic connectors that allows a pre-terminated fiber optic cable to be made compatible with any number of different styles or types of fiber optic connectors or fiber optic adapters. A connector core of the system can be used as a stand-alone connector with a small form-factor adapter.