MPO Connector Retainer for Preventing Inadvertent Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic modules and their connectors in network switches can unintentionally disengage, leading to potential damage to the modules or switches, and existing coupling mechanisms are inadequate to prevent such inadvertent disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system for cable connectors, including a collar and a C-shaped retainer, which locks the connector in place within the optoelectronic module's port, preventing unintentional disengagement by securing the connector and the module to the cage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a releasable engagement mechanism is used for the connector to allow intentional removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a collar that provides releasable engagement for intentional removal, and a retainer that provides fixed retention to prevent unintentional disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the connector body and the cage. It provides an additional layer of retention that mediates between the releasable collar engagement and the fixed cage mounting, preventing unintentional disengagement while preserving intentional removability.
2Reliability
If a fixed retention mechanism is used to prevent unintentional disengagement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into a fixed retainer component and a releasable collar component. The retainer provides fixed retention for reliability, while the collar provides releasable engagement for ease of removal. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing functions across separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed retention mechanism to a dynamic system where the collar can move between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic element provides ease of removal while the retainer maintains fixed retention, resolving the contradiction between reliability and operability.
3Ease of operation
If the collar is freely movable on the body to allow engagement and disengagement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential unintentional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer serves as an intermediary that constrains the collar's movement. It mediates between the collar's need to move for engagement/disengagement and the need for position stability, allowing controlled movement while preventing unintentional displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is given different local qualities: it is movable in the axial direction for engagement/disengagement but constrained in radial directions by the retainer. This local differentiation of mobility resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and position stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic module includes a housing enclosing at least one optical transmitter or receiver and includes a release mechanism configured to engage with a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing. A cable connector for a fiber optic cable is configured to engage in a port of the module, and a slideable collar on the cable connector can keep the module engaged in the port. For example, the collar can hold tabs or arms inside the port engaged with slots or indents on a body of the connector to prevent the connector from being pulled from the port. A retainer is configured to prevent retraction of a collar on the cable connector so that the connector is not inadvertently removed from the port. By keeping the connector engaged, the retainer may by extension keep the module engaged in the cage by preventing inadvertent release of the release mechanism on the module.