MPO Microlatch Lock Connector for High-Density Fiber Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber optic connectors in communication networks face challenges with reduced accessibility and increased stress due to compacted configurations, leading to potential disruptions and quality issues, as existing connectors are not designed to accommodate smaller Form Factor Pluggable Transceivers (SFPs, necessitating a need for smaller, more reliable connectors.
Innovation Solution
The development of a low-profile optical fiber connector with a latch-lock mechanism and a locking plate, featuring a flat pin assembly, mechanical transfer ferrule boot, and a housing with recesses and grooves for secure fastening, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without springs, which reduces component count and assembly time, and enables compatibility with standard adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If connector size and spacing are shrunk to increase panel density, then connector density is improved, but accessibility and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components including a housing, latch mechanism, and release mechanism that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized design of each component while maintaining overall compactness for high-density panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a self-latching mechanism with a release button that allows operators to easily engage and disengage connectors without tools. The latch automatically secures the connection when engaged, providing reliable operation even in high-density configurations where manual tool access is difficult.
2Quantity of substance
If connector size is shrunk to increase panel density, then connector density is improved, but support cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into single components to reduce part count. The housing integrates structural support, alignment features, and mounting interfaces. The latch mechanism combines securing and releasing functions in a single integrated assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and support costs despite compact dimensions.
3Quantity of substance
If spacing between connectors is reduced to increase panel density, then connector density is improved, but cable stress and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design features a compact nested structure where the latch mechanism is housed within the connector body, and the release mechanism is integrated into the latch assembly. This nested configuration minimizes the space required for each connector while maintaining adequate cable clearance and reducing interference in high-density panel configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fiber connectors and adapters are disclosed. A connector includes a flat pin assembly including a pin, a mechanical transfer ferrule boot disposed around at least a portion of the assembly, a housing disposed around at least a portion of the ferrule, and a locking plate. The housing includes first, second, top, and bottom sides. The first and second sides include a recess. The top side includes a groove. The locking plate includes a fastening mechanism configured to interlock with the groove. An optical fiber adapter includes first and second adapter ends each having one or more connecting arms to secure a separate optical fiber connector.