Modular Fiber Optic Connector with Dual Recess Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors require different molds for various fiber optic adaptors, increasing manufacturing costs and limiting installation efficiency and cabling in high-density networks due to their design limitations and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular fiber optic connector design featuring a plug body, rear sleeve unit, and front sleeve unit, allowing the key to engage different recesses for adaptability with multiple fiber optic adaptors and enabling miniaturization through separate manufacturing of structural components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of fiber optic connectors are designed to mate with different fiber optic adaptors, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to requiring different molds
Solution Approach 1:
The connector main body is designed with a universal structure that can mate with different types of fiber optic adaptors. The key and recess configuration allows a single connector design to be compatible with multiple adaptor types, eliminating the need for different molds while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a main body with standardized features, and separate engagement elements (keys and recesses) that can be configured differently. This segmentation allows the main body mold to remain universal while only requiring simple variations in the engagement features.
2Productivity
If the fiber optic connector is miniaturized to enable dense network installations, then installation efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a compact integrated structure. The main body incorporates the connection interface, the key engagement features, and the recess structures in a unified miniaturized design, reducing overall size while maintaining all necessary functions for dense installations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector includes a plug body, a rear sleeve unit and a front sleeve unit. The plug body has first and second recesses. The rear sleeve unit is detachably sleeved around a rear part of the plug body, and has a key. The front sleeve unit is sleeved on of the plug body in front of the rear sleeve unit and detachably connected to the rear sleeve unit. The rear sleeve unit is changeable between a first position, in which the rear sleeve unit is attached to the plug body with the key being engaged with the first recess, and a second position in which the rear sleeve unit is attached to the plug body with the key being engaged with the second recess.