Optical Connector Housing Layout for Compact Multi-Branch Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing housing structures for optical connectors are large and inefficient in size, particularly when housing multiple connectors, which complicates the laying of optical cables inside station buildings.

Innovation Solution

A housing structure is designed with connector units branching off from the optical cable, featuring first and second tubes for optical fibers, and a housing body that positions connector groups at different lengths, utilizing a braided tube to apply tensile force indirectly, reducing the size of the housing body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple optical connectors are housed in a traditional housing structure, then the housing can accommodate all connectors, but the housing becomes large and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of optical connectorsVSAvoidhousing size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing shorter connector units inside the space occupied by longer connector units. Specifically, the first tubes of connector units with shorter connector groups are positioned within the region occupied by connector groups of longer units, allowing compact arrangement of multiple connectors within a reduced housing volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the length dimension strategically by positioning connector groups at different locations along the length direction. Longer connector groups are placed at the leading end while shorter ones are nested toward the rear, effectively using the longitudinal dimension to accommodate multiple connectors without increasing housing cross-sectional area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If connector groups are positioned to maximize space utilization, then housing size is reduced, but the arrangement becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing sizeVSAvoidconnector unit arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the housing into distinct regions along the length direction, with each region accommodating specific connector units based on their lengths. This segmentation allows systematic organization where connector units are arranged in sequences from leading to rear ends, simplifying the complex task of compact arrangement through structured zoning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12619045B2Efficient alignment structure for multiple connectors branching from a single optical cable

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 FUJIKURA LTD

AI summary

A housing structure includes: an optical cable including optical fibers; connector units branching off from the optical cable; and a housing body that houses the connector units. Each of the connector units includes: a first tube through which the optical fibers pass; second tubes through each of which the optical fibers branching off from the first tube pass; and a connector group constituted by optical connectors that are each disposed at an end part of each of the second tubes. The connector group of each of the connector units is disposed at a different position in a length direction from the connector group of any other one of the connector units. The first tube of each of the connector units other than a first connector unit that is shortest among the connector units overlaps in the length direction the connector group of the first connector unit.