Optical Connector Cassette Adapter Structure for Secure Lightweight Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cassette cases with integrated adapters for optical connectors face issues of increased size and weight due to loose connections and insufficient structural strength during assembly, leading to potential disconnection and instability.
Innovation Solution
A cassette case design where the adapter main body is fixed to the cassette case by vertically placing side wall plate portions on the bottom plate, using coupling plates with locking mechanisms to secure the adapter to the case main body, ensuring a compact and lightweight structure with robust connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adapters are collectively inserted into the opening section of the casing and attached using latches engaged with small holes, then the assembly process is simplified, but the structure increases in size and weight and the connection strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure is segmented into multiple independent adapter units, each with its own coupling plate and locking mechanism. This allows each adapter to be independently secured to the casing bottom plate through dedicated locking portions, distributing the connection strength requirements across multiple localized attachment points rather than relying on a single collective attachment method.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plates are pre-formed with locking portions that engage with corresponding locking holes in the casing bottom plate before final assembly. This preliminary preparation of locking features ensures that when adapters are installed, they automatically achieve secure mechanical interlocking, preventing detachment without requiring additional assembly steps or increasing overall structure size.
2Weight of stationary object
If a compact adapter structure is used, then the overall size and weight are reduced, but the structural strength and reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure utilizes composite construction with the coupling plate forming an integrated part of the adapter housing. This composite design allows the use of optimized material distributions that provide high strength at critical connection points (locking portions) while maintaining overall compactness and lightweight characteristics of the adapter body.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plate is nested within the adapter housing structure, with the locking portions extending from the adapter body to engage with the casing. This nested configuration allows the connection mechanism to be integrated within the compact adapter form factor, achieving reliable mechanical connection without increasing external dimensions or weight of the adapter assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the adapter is securely fixed to the casing bottom plate, then disconnection is prevented and structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate is merged with the adapter housing to form an integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate attachment components. The locking portions are formed as integral features of this combined structure, reducing the number of discrete parts and assembly steps while ensuring secure mechanical interlocking with the casing bottom plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portions of the coupling plate are designed to automatically engage with the locking holes in the casing bottom plate during the assembly process. This self-locking mechanism provides secure fixation and structural integrity without requiring additional fastening operations, tools, or complex manufacturing processes, allowing the structure to secure itself through its geometric design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An adapter main body (2) is formed by an upper wall plate portion (2A), and a plurality of side wall plate portions (2B) vertically placed between both ends of and between the upper wall plate portion (2A). A lower end of each of the side wall plate portions (2B) in the adapter main body (2) is fixed to an upper surface of a front end of a bottom plate (1A) in a case main body portion (1) of the cassette case, thereby forming a multiple type adapter in which a plurality of adapter single bodies are continuously provided in the upper surface of the bottom plate (1A), the adapter single body having an approximately quadrangular tubular shape in a front view, and a cable accommodating portion of an optical fiber is formed in the cassette case main body portion (1) at the rear of the adapter main body (2). Therefore, the compact and lightweight adapter can be easily formed.