Multi-Fiber Optical Port Keying to Prevent Wrong Connector Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiport terminals are bulky and inflexible, making it difficult to make optical connections in tight spaces such as underground pits or vaults, and there is a need for terminals that allow flexibility and quick, easy optical connections while addressing different connection ports.
Innovation Solution
The terminals feature at least one single-fiber connection port and at least one multi-fiber connection port, with securing features that prevent the damaging insertion of non-compatible connectors, allowing compact and modular designs suitable for tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multiport terminals use multiple separate receptacles mounted through the wall of housing, then optical connections can be made robust and reliable, but the housing becomes excessively bulky and inflexible for tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate receptacles into a single integrated multi-fiber connection port assembly. This consolidation maintains the robust optical connection capability while significantly reducing the housing volume required, allowing the terminal to fit in tight spaces such as underground pits or vaults.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-fiber connection port is designed to accommodate multiple fiber connections through a single unified interface. This multi-functional design allows the terminal to provide multiple optical connections while occupying minimal space, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and compact size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal provides both single-fiber and multi-fiber connection ports with different interfaces, then versatility is improved, but the risk of damaging insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric keying features on the connectors and corresponding receptacles. The multi-fiber connector has a distinct asymmetric geometry that only fits into the matching multi-fiber connection port, while the single-fiber connector has a different asymmetric profile for its port. This physical asymmetry prevents wrong connector insertion and eliminates the risk of damage while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary protective measures through the asymmetric keying system that prevents harmful insertion before it can occur. The physical incompatibility of wrong connectors with the receptacles serves as a preventive mechanism, stopping potential damage before it happens.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional multiports use coupling nuts or bayonets for securing connectors, then connection stability is improved, but the housing becomes bulkier and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coupling nut or bayonet mechanisms from the design. Instead of using these traditional securing elements that require additional space, the invention employs a direct push-in connection system with asymmetric keying that provides stable connector retention without the bulk of external securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection port design uses a compact, integrated structure that replaces bulky mechanical securing elements with a streamlined receptacle that provides both guidance and retention functions in a space-efficient manner.
Data Source
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AI summary
Terminals (200) are disclosed having at least one first connection port (236) intended for mating with a first connector footprint and at least one second connection port (260) intended for mating with a second connector footprint where the second connection port (260) inhibits the damaging insertion of the external connector suitable for the first connection port (236). For instance, terminals may have at least one single-fiber connection port (236) that can receive and optically mate with a single-fiber plug connector, and at least one multi-fiber optical connection port (260) that can receive and optically mate with a multi-fiber plug connector and inhibits the damaging insertion of the non-compatible single-fiber connector into the multi¬ fiber optical connection port (260) if mistakenly attempted by the technician. Other embodiments may include a modular adapter sub-assembly (310MSA, 310SSA) for the first connection port or the second connection port.