Multi-Connector Optical Adapter for Mobile Network Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The maintenance of fiber optic networks is hindered by the need for various adapter cables to connect measuring devices to different types of connectors, leading to complexity and inefficiency in transporting and selecting the correct adapters, especially as the number of connectors increases.

Innovation Solution

A portable adapter device with a power connection unit, network connection units for different types, and a device connection unit, arranged on a carrier unit that allows for easy transportation and connection to multiple types of optical access points, including route extensions for increased accuracy and flexibility in OTDR methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate adapter cables are used to connect to different connector types, then compatibility with various access points is improved, but device complexity and transportation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various access pointsVSAvoidcomplexity of adapter collection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adapter cables with different connector types into a single integrated adapter device. The adapter device includes a carrier unit with multiple connection units, each having different connector types (e.g., SC, LC, ST, FC connectors), allowing a single device to replace multiple separate adapter cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter device is designed as a universal multi-functional tool that can connect to various optical access points with different connector types. The device includes multiple connection units with different connector types, enabling a single device to perform the function of multiple specialized adapter cables.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate adapter cables are used to connect to different connector types, then compatibility with various access points is improved, but ease of operation in selecting correct adapters worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various access pointsVSAvoidease of selecting correct adapter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter device segments the multiple connector types into distinct, organized connection units on the carrier unit. Each connection unit is clearly separated and identifiable, making it easy to select the correct connector type without confusion among multiple loose cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By merging all adapter cables into a single organized device with clearly separated connection units, the patent eliminates the confusion of selecting from multiple loose cables while maintaining access to all different connector types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adapter cables are transported as a loose collection, then adaptability to different connector types is improved, but transportability and organization worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to connect to different connector typesVSAvoidease of transportation and organization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate adapter cables into a single integrated adapter device with a carrier unit that holds all connection units in an organized manner. This unified structure significantly improves transportability while maintaining all connector types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal adapter device consolidates multiple functions into one portable unit, making it easy to transport while maintaining the ability to connect to various optical access points with different connector types.

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

Simplifies the maintenance of optical networks by allowing a single adapter device to connect to multiple types of access points, reducing measurement errors and improving transportability, while maintaining high accuracy in optical network maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second network connections (11, 12) are each optically connected to the device connection unit (20) by at least one connecting path (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP3992684B1Adapter device for the mobile manufacturing of a light-conducting connection, system and method
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 WESTNETZ GMBH
  • EP3992684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992684B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3992684B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an adapter device (1) for establishing a light-conducting connection between a first optical access point (2) of an optical network (3), in particular in the form of a fiber optic network, for connecting a first network connection type (2.1) to an optical connection port (4) of a device (5) for connecting a device connection type (4.1), comprising a network connection unit (10) with a first network port (11) of the first network connection type (2.1) for the light-conducting connection to the first access point (2) and a second network port (12) of a second network connection type (2.2) for the light-conducting connection to a second optical access point (6). The invention further relates to a system with a device (5) and an adapter device (1) as well as a method for mobile establishment of a light-conducting connection between a first optical access point (6) and a connection port (4).