High-Density Optical Connector with Segmented Ferrule Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical connectors and adapters face challenges in accommodating increased numbers of fiber optic connections within the same footprint, leading to issues with space efficiency, ease of deployment, robustness, and modifiability in data centers.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical connector that can accommodate two or more LC-type optical ferrules, featuring an outer body and inner front body configuration to fit four LC-type optical ferrules in a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver footprint or eight in a quad SFP footprint, along with a mating receptacle design that includes a receptacle hook and housing for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the connector size is shrunk to increase panel connector density, then the area occupied by each connector is reduced, but the support cost increases and quality of service diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent ferrule units (202, 204, 206, 208) that can be individually accessed and maintained. Each ferrule has its own release mechanism (212, 214, 216, 218) that can be operated independently, allowing technicians to service one connection without disturbing others, thereby maintaining quality of service in high-density configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses a three-dimensional arrangement with ferrules positioned at different heights and depths within the housing. The stacked configuration allows multiple ferrules to occupy vertical space rather than only horizontal space, increasing density without proportionally increasing support complexity.
2Area of moving object
If the spacing between adjacent connectors on the panel is reduced to increase density, then the area per connector is reduced, but access to individual release mechanisms becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent ferrules are grouped within a single common housing (201), forming a integrated connector unit. This merging allows the housing to provide unified protection and alignment while the individual ferrules retain independent release mechanisms, combining the benefits of compactness with individual accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The common housing (201) acts as an intermediary structure that provides a unified interface for mounting and alignment while enclosing multiple independent ferrule assemblies. The housing's front face provides a common alignment reference, while the side releases allow individual ferrule access through the housing structure.
3Quantity of substance
If more optical connectors are accommodated in the same footprint to provide backward compatibility, then the connector density increases, but the complexity of deployment and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design accommodates multiple ferrule configurations (single ferrule, dual ferrule, or quad ferrule arrangements) within the same housing footprint. The housing and alignment features are designed to work with different numbers and arrangements of ferrules, allowing a single connector type to serve multiple functions and reduce the need for different connector varieties.
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
This solution enables a higher density of optical connections within existing footprints, improving space efficiency and ease of deployment, while maintaining robustness and modifiability, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of data center connections.
Implementation Method 1
ferrule springs for urging the optical ferrules towards a mating receptacle
Implementation Method 2
A mating receptacle (transceiver or adapter) includes a receptacle hook and a housing with an opening that accommodates the receptacle hook in a flexed position as the optical connector makes connection with the mating receptacle by introducing the receptacle book into an optical receptacle hook recess
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector holding two or more LC-type optical ferrules is provided. The optical connector includes an outer body, an inner front body accommodating the two or more LC-type optical ferrules, ferrule springs for urging the optical ferrules towards a mating receptacle, and a back body for supporting the ferrule springs. The outer body and the inner front body are configured such that four LC-type optical ferrules are accommodated in a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver footprint or eight LC-type optical ferrules are accommodated in a quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) transceiver footprint. A mating receptacle (transceiver or adapter) includes internal alignment slots configured to accept a corresponding alignment key on connector outer housing to ensure alignment and orientation for maximum signal transfer between opposing ferrule end faces.