Modular Multiport Connector Assembly With Interchangeable Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiport assemblies for optical and electrical connections lack versatility and efficiency in accommodating different types of connectors and adapters, leading to complex configurations and reduced compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A multiport device with interchangeable port housings and adapters, featuring a ferrule assembly and identification inserts, allows for secure and adaptable connections between various optical and electrical connectors, enabling easy configuration for different types of connectors and adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multiport assemblies use fixed connector types, then manufacturing and configuration are simplified, but compatibility with different connector types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The port housing is designed with a universal receptacle receiver that can accommodate multiple adapter types (e.g., LC, SC, ST adapters) through a standardized interface. This allows a single port housing design to support various connector types without requiring separate housing designs for each connector type, thereby improving compatibility while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where adapters are received within the receptacle receiver, which is itself received within the port housing. This nested arrangement (connector → adapter → receptacle receiver → port housing) allows different connector types to be accommodated through interchangeable adapters while maintaining a consistent outer interface, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapter types are supported through interchangeable adapters, then compatibility is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle receiver is designed as a universal component that can receive multiple types of adapters through a standardized interface. This eliminates the need for separate receiver designs for each adapter type, reducing the overall component variety while maintaining compatibility with multiple adapter types
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle receiver acts as an intermediary component between the port housing and various adapter types. This standardized intermediate interface allows different adapters to be accommodated without requiring the port housing to be redesigned for each adapter type, thereby reducing the total number of unique components needed
3Ease of operation
If a standardized receptacle receiver interface is used, then ease of operation and adapter interchangeability are improved, but precision in alignment and ferrule positioning becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The port insert body and adapter are pre-configured with complementary alignment features (such as guide pins, alignment slots, or keyed interfaces) that automatically ensure proper ferrule alignment when the adapter is inserted into the receptacle receiver. This preliminary alignment mechanism maintains manufacturing precision while enabling easy adapter interchangeability
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle receiver serves as a precision intermediary that maintains strict alignment tolerances between the port insert body and adapter. The receiver's internal geometry and alignment features ensure that ferrules from different connector types are precisely positioned relative to each other, preserving manufacturing precision while allowing easy adapter swaps
4Ease of operation
If port housings are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between a locked state (providing strong connection stability) and an unlocked state (enabling easy disassembly). The latch can be deliberately actuated to release the adapter, providing both stability during operation and ease of replacement when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of using a multiport assembly and associated components are disclosed. The multiport assembly can include a multiport device that communicatively couples multiple sets or pairs of connectors, such as optical connectors or electrical connectors, together. The multiport assembly can also include an auxiliary port device that couples to the multiport device to expand the capacity of the multiport assembly. Both the multiport and auxiliary port devices can be selectively configured to receive specific types of connectors by selectively coupling to different types of adapters, where the types of adapters correspond to the types of connectors. When coupled to the multiport or auxiliary port devices, the adapters facilitate the formation of the communication between its corresponding set of connectors.