Optical Adapter Mounting Structure With Dual Panels to Limit Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adapter panels used in optical connector systems are prone to deformation and have significant adapter protrusion, making identification numbers difficult to see due to the large protrusion amount.
Innovation Solution
An adapter mounting structure utilizing a first panel anchored to a rack and exposing adapters, with a second panel anchored to the first panel to anchor the adapters, reducing protrusion and enhancing panel strength through integrated use of two panels and bent portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single panel is used to mount adapters, then the structure is simple, but the panel deforms and adapters protrude significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single panel is divided into two separate panels: a first panel that anchors adapters to the rack and a second panel that anchors adapters from the rear. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load and prevents deformation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure transitions from a single-plane (2D) panel to a multi-plane (3D) configuration with two panels positioned at different depths. The first panel is at the front and the second panel is at the rear, creating a multi-dimensional support system that reduces adapter protrusion and panel deformation.
2Ease of manufacture
If adapters are mounted on a single panel, then installation is simple, but adapter protrusion is large making identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is segmented between two panels: the first panel provides front anchoring and the second panel provides rear anchoring. This segmentation allows adapters to be securely held with minimal protrusion from the front panel, improving visibility of identification numbers while maintaining simple installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The second panel acts as an intermediary support structure that anchors adapters from the rear. This intermediary panel reduces the effective protrusion of adapters from the first panel by providing additional support points, thereby improving identification visibility without complicating the installation process.
3Strength
If sheet-metal welding is used to strengthen the panel, then panel strength increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of welding to strengthen a single panel, the structure is segmented into two separate panels that work together. The first panel and second panel are independently manufactured and then assembled, achieving the strength of a welded structure without the high manufacturing costs and complexity of welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first panel and second panel are merged into an integrated mounting system where both panels work together to provide structural strength. This merging achieves the cumulative strength effect without requiring actual welding, as the panels are positioned and secured to create a rigid combined structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter mounting structure according to an embodiment is an adapter mounting structure 10 for mounting, on a rack, a plurality of adapters 11 to which optical connectors are connected. The adapter mounting structure 10 includes a first panel 20 including insertion holes 21a through which the plurality of adapters 11 are inserted, the first panel 20 being configured to expose, to a front side of the rack, the plurality of adapters 11 thus inserted and being anchored to the rack, and a second panel 30 disposed to a rear side of the rack relative to the first panel 20, the second panel 30 being anchored to the first panel 20 and being configured to anchor each of the plurality of adapters 11.