Multi-Cavity Optical Connector Backshell for Cable Axial Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-cavity optical connectors lack cable management features to prevent axial movement of cables, leading to broken fibers and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A backshell configuration with a nest and capture member to secure crimp eyelets within cavities, preventing axial movement of cables and securing them in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multi-cavity connectors are used to provide robust optical connections, then connection strength is improved, but cable management capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcable management capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The backshell is segmented into multiple functional components: a nest with individual cavities for each cable, a capture member to secure the nest, and a backshell housing to contain the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to address specific cable management needs while maintaining overall connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nest acts as an intermediary structure between the cables and the backshell housing. It provides a platform to hold and organize multiple cables, preventing them from moving axially while allowing the backshell to maintain its robust connection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cables are allowed to exit the connector freely, then ease of installation is improved, but cable stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidcable stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The nest cavities are pre-configured to receive and secure cables in specific positions. The capture member is designed to engage with the nest and block cavity openings before final assembly, ensuring cables are captured and stabilized during the installation process without requiring additional steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If cable management features are added to prevent axial movement, then cable stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management features (nest with cavities, capture member) are merged into the existing backshell structure. The nest is integrated within the backshell housing, and the capture member is mechanically interengaged with the backshell, creating a unified assembly that adds cable stabilization without requiring separate external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12554073B2Multi-cavity optical connector with cable management

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

A backshell the backshell comprising: a backshell housing configured to mechanically interengaged with a connector housing; a nest having a periphery and a plurality of cavities, each cavity of the plurality of cavities having an opening to the periphery and being configured to receive an eyelet of a cable, the nest being configured to restrict axial movement of the eyelet when disposed in the cavity; a capture member mechanically interengaged with the backshell to hold the nest in a fixed position relative to the backshell housing; and wherein the nest is disposed between the capture member and the backshell housing such that the opening of each cavity is blocked by at least one of the capture member or the backshell housing to hold each eyelet in one of the cavities.