Modular Fibre Optic Adapter with Rotating Sub-Adaptor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibre optic adaptors require different types for each connection, lack effective polarity management, and often have unsatisfactory retention mechanisms, limiting their utility and flexibility in fibre optic cable assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A modular adaptor system with a sub-adaptor that allows for flexible orientation and connection of fibre optic devices, including MPO connectors and ferrules, using latching mechanisms and orienting keys to manage polarity and provide multiple configuration options, enabling 'key up' and 'key down' connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different adaptors are provided for each different type of connection, then connection compatibility is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor body is designed with a universal receiving formation that can accommodate multiple connector types (MPO, ferrule, etc.) through a single standardized interface. The sub-adaptor mechanism allows the same adaptor body to switch between different connector configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adaptors and reducing inventory complexity while maintaining broad compatibility
2Ease of manufacture
If adaptors are designed for a fixed fibre map layout, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability for different polarity management requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor incorporates a dynamic sub-adaptor mechanism that can be rotated or repositioned within the receiving formation to change the fibre map configuration. This allows the same physical adaptor to support multiple polarity management schemes (e.g., A-to-A, A-to-B, split configurations) without requiring different manufactured adaptor bodies, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing operational flexibility
3Ease of manufacture
If standard retention mechanisms are used in adaptors, then ease of manufacture is improved, but cable retention reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into modular components: a base retention structure integrated into the adaptor body for general holding, and an optional enhanced retention module that can be added when superior cable securing is required. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing for basic applications while providing a path to improved reliability when needed, without complicating the core adaptor design
Data Source
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AI summary
An adaptor for optically connecting fibre optic devices, such as cable assemblies, together. The adaptor includes: a body (3) having first and second receiving formations (15,17), the first receiving formation (15) is arranged to receive a first fibre optic connector (19), the second receiving formation (17) is adaptable between first and second configurations, wherein in the first configuration the second receiving formation (17) is arranged to receive a second fibre optic connector (23), and in the second configuration is arranged to receive a ferrule (46).