MPO Connector Backpost Reinforcing Rib and Curved Neck
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Solution Overview
Problem
MPO optical connectors face challenges in withstanding significant side loads due to the hanging of optical cables, which can lead to connector failure and loss of connection integrity.
Innovation Solution
The MPO optical connector design includes a backpost with proximally extending latch arms and a reinforcing rib, a curved neck for the crimp ring, and stopping protrusions to enhance side load resistance and pull-out strength, featuring a reverse-latch mechanism and angled crimp configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional backpost design is used, then the connector structure is simple, but the connector cannot withstand significant side loads from hanging cables
Solution Approach 1:
The backpost is segmented into multiple functional features: latch arms for mechanical interlocking, reinforcing ribs for structural support, and stopping protrusions for positioning. This segmentation allows each feature to address specific aspects of side load resistance without requiring complete redesign of the entire backpost structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The backpost combines multiple structural elements (latch arms, reinforcing ribs, stopping protrusions) into a composite structure that leverages the strengths of each component. The reinforcing ribs specifically add structural integrity to resist side loads while maintaining integration with the overall backpost design.
2Strength
If a straight crimp configuration is used, then the crimping process is simple, but the pull-out strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The neck of the backpost features a curved profile instead of a straight configuration. This curvature creates an angled crimp when the crimp ring is applied, which mechanically locks the cable in place and significantly improves pull-out strength. The curved geometry transforms the crimping action into a more effective anchoring mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If the crimp ring can extend freely, then the crimping operation is easy, but the crimp ring positioning is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
Stopping protrusions are provided on the backpost neck to preliminarily define the correct positioning of the crimp ring before crimping occurs. These protrusions prevent the crimp ring from extending too far distally, ensuring it is positioned at the correct location for optimal crimping. This preliminary positioning guide simplifies the crimping operation by eliminating the need for complex measurement or alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple push-on (MPO) optical connector is provided having a ferrule configured to house multiple optical fibers and a housing having a distal end in a connection direction configured to hold the ferrule. The housing further includes a pair of proximal apertures and at least one proximal groove. A backpost has a distal end that urges the ferrule toward the distal end of the housing and a proximal end configured to receive a crimp ring. The backpost includes a pair of proximally extending latch arms that reverse latch in the proximal apertures of the housing. To strengthen the connector in side-loading environments, the backpost further includes a reinforcing rib that is received in the housing proximal groove. In a further aspect, the proximal end of the backpost may include a neck with an approximately curved side profile that, following crimping with a stepped crimp ring, results in an angled crimp.