Optical Adapter Retaining Structure with Deformable Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical adapter supporting structures in FTTH networks are cumbersome and require separate supporting structures for different types of adapters, complicating installation and increasing costs due to the need for multiple cut operations.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure with a first retaining member and a resiliently deformable second retaining member, positioned at different distances from the base, allows for the flexible accommodation and firm retention of variously sized optical adapters without sliding, using elastic forces to secure them in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate supporting structures are provided for each type of optical adapter, then each adapter type can be securely retained, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure retention of optical adaptersVSAvoidmultiple supporting structures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of optical adapters (SC, LC, ST) through a single unified structure. The retaining members can adjust their position and deformation to securely hold different adapter types, eliminating the need for separate supporting structures for each adapter type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining members are designed to be resiliently deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and deformation level based on the size and shape of the inserted optical adapter. This dynamic capability enables the same structure to securely retain different adapter types without requiring multiple fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple separate supporting structures are used for different adapter types, then each adapter can be retained, but the installation operations become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of optical adaptersVSAvoidinstallation operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure provides a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of optical adapters (SC, LC, ST) through a single unified structure. The retaining members can adjust their position and deformation to securely hold different adapter types, eliminating the need for separate supporting structures for each adapter type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining members are designed to be resiliently deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and deformation level based on the size and shape of the inserted optical adapter. This dynamic capability enables the same structure to securely retain different adapter types without requiring multiple fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If breakable or adapting elements are used in the supporting structure, then optical adapters can be retained, but additional cutting operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of optical adaptersVSAvoidcutting operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining members are designed to be resiliently deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and deformation level based on the size and shape of the inserted optical adapter. This dynamic capability enables the same structure to securely retain different adapter types without requiring multiple fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structure uses resiliently deformable retaining members that can change their physical state (deformation level) based on the adapter being retained. This parameter change capability eliminates the need for breakable elements and additional cutting operations, as the structure adapts to different adapter sizes through controlled deformation rather than destruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates the easy and secure insertion of different sized optical adapters into a single supporting structure, improving installation efficiency and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for multiple cut operations and separate supporting structures.

Implementation Method 1

the second retaining member is resiliently deformable and comprises a second retaining head, configured to retain the second optical adapter along the insertion direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3825745B1Optical adapter supporting structure and assembly
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 PRYSMIAN SPA
  • EP3825745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3825745B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3825745B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical adapter supporting structure (100) for optical adapters (200, 300), comprising a support base (1), a first pair of retaining members (2a) comprising a first retaining member (10) and an opposite second retaining member (20), the first (10) and second retaining members (20) projecting from the support base (1) along an insertion direction (Z-Z) and being mutually spaced apart along a transversal direction (Y-Y), perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z-Z), for receiving selectively a first optical adapter (200) and a second optical adapter (300) therebetween, the first retaining member (10) comprises a first retaining head (11) configured to retain the first optical adapter (200) along the insertion direction (Z-Z) and projecting towards the opposite second retaining member (20), the first retaining head (11) being formed at a first distance (D1) from the support base (1), measured along the insertion direction (Z-Z), the second retaining member (20) is resiliently deformable and comprises a second retaining head (21), configured to retain the second optical adapter (300) along the insertion direction (Z-Z) and projecting towards the opposite first retaining member (10), the second retaining head (21) being formed at a second distance (D2) from the support base (1), measured along the insertion direction (Z-Z), lower than the first distance (D2).