Optical Adaptor Mounting Element for Connector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in precisely aligning and coupling optical fibers from connectorized cables, especially when different types of connectors need to be integrated into existing receptacles without requiring a complete exchange of the receptacle, which is complicated by the need for specialized tools and trained personnel, and the difficulty in achieving compatibility between connectors from different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
An optical adaptor is designed to mount onto a receptacle, featuring an optical interface that allows insertion of ferrules from both connectors, along with a mounting element that securely holds the adaptor in place, enabling precise alignment and coupling of optical fibers, even in harsh environments, and allowing for the use of different connector types without needing to replace the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a receptacle is designed to couple specific types of optical connectors, then precise optical coupling is achieved, but compatibility with different connector types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical adaptor as an intermediary component between the receptacle and different optical connector types. The adaptor contains a coupling element with alignment features that receive ferrules from various connector types while maintaining precise optical alignment. This mediator allows the receptacle to work with multiple connector types (SC, ST, LC, etc.) without compromising alignment precision, as the adaptor's alignment features ensure accurate ferrule positioning regardless of the connector type.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools and trained personnel are used for optical connections, then precise alignment is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adaptor incorporates self-aligning features including alignment pins, grooves, and mechanical coupling elements that automatically guide and position the ferrules in precise alignment during insertion. The design allows the connectors to self-align through mechanical features rather than requiring external alignment tools or highly trained personnel. The coupling element's geometry ensures that when connectors are inserted, they automatically achieve the correct optical alignment without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If connectorized cables are routed deeper into the communication network, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but connection difficulties and costs compound
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adaptor is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple optical connector types (SC, ST, LC, and others) through a single receptacle interface. The coupling element can accommodate different ferrule sizes and connector geometries while maintaining consistent optical alignment performance. This multi-functional design enables easier deployment of optical cables deeper into the network, as technicians can connect various cable types without needing multiple specialized receptacles or complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical adaptor for mounting to a receptacle to optically couple connectorized optical cables comprises an optical interface to optically couple a first connectorized optical cable terminated by a first optical connector and a second connectorized optical cable terminated by a second optical connector. The optical adaptor further comprises a mounting element being configured to insert the optical interface and being mountable to the receptacle. The mounting element is secured to the receptacle, when the first optical connector is mounted to the mounting element in a first state, and the mounting element is released from the receptacle, when the first optical connector is mounted to the mounting element in a second state allowing to pull the optical adaptor out of the receptacle.