MT/MPO Adapter Assembly With Conductive Plastic EMI Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adapter assemblies in optical communications devices made of plastic fail to shield electromagnetic waves, posing a security risk and leading to reduced lifespan due to abrasion.

Innovation Solution

The adapter assembly incorporates a flange plate and other components made of conductive plastic, providing large-area electromagnetic wave shielding and reducing abrasion through elasticity, with integral molding and elastic holders to enhance connectivity and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If plastic material is used for MT/MPO adapter to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but electromagnetic wave shielding capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave shielding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining plastic base material with conductive fillers (such as metal particles or conductive polymers) to create conductive plastic. This composite material simultaneously provides the cost benefits of plastic manufacturing while achieving the electromagnetic wave shielding capability of conductive materials, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and shielding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the plastic material by adding conductive additives. By adjusting the concentration and distribution of conductive fillers within the plastic matrix, the material transitions from non-conductive to conductive, enabling electromagnetic wave shielding while maintaining the structural advantages and cost-effectiveness of plastic materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid material is used for flange plate to provide structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but abrasion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidabrasion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive plastic used in the flange plate creates a composite structure that combines the structural stability of rigid materials with the abrasion resistance of elastic conductive materials. This composite approach allows the flange plate to maintain its shape and positioning function while reducing wear from repeated connector insertions and removals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic properties of the conductive plastic provide a flexible, compliant surface in the flange plate that can deform slightly to accommodate connector variations and reduce mechanical stress. This flexibility reduces abrasion while maintaining sufficient structural stability for proper connector alignment and retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive plastic is used for MT port and MPO port to improve electromagnetic shielding, then electromagnetic wave shielding is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic wave shieldingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic shielding function with the structural housing material by making the MT port and MPO port housings themselves from conductive plastic. This eliminates the need for separate shielding components or coatings, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving comprehensive electromagnetic wave shielding across all port surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive plastic material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural housing for the ports, achieves electromagnetic wave shielding, and reduces abrasion from connector mating operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the specialized material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively shields electromagnetic waves, reduces security risks, and prolongs the lifespan of the adapter assembly by minimizing abrasion, while supporting high-bandwidth communication with improved connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

The flange plate is made of conductive plastic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

because the conductive plastic is elastic, abrasion to the flange plate can be reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12422626B2Adapter assembly and optical communications device
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12422626B2 patent drawing
  • US12422626B2 patent drawing
  • US12422626B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This application discloses an adapter assembly and an optical communications device, and belongs to the field of connector technologies. The adapter assembly is configured to be installed on a hole of a panel, and the adapter assembly includes: a mechanical transmission (MT) to multi-fiber push on (MPO) adapter (MT/MPO adapter), where the MT/MPO adapter includes a flange plate, an MT port, and an MPO port, the MT port and the MPO port are respectively located on two sides of the flange plate in a thickness direction, and the MPO port is configured to be connected to an MPO plug; and an MT plug, where the MT plug includes an MT optical fiber and an MT clamp that are connected, and the MT plug is connected to the MT port. The flange plate is made of conductive plastic. This application can shield an electromagnetic wave in the optical communications device.