Optical Connector Housing Segmentation for Ferrule Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connection structures face excessive stress in fixing portions when connecting a large number of MT ferrules, leading to potential destruction of the fixing portion due to high pressing loads required for physical contact (PC) connections.
Innovation Solution
The optical connection structure employs multiple inner and outer housings with latch mechanisms and latch releasing mechanisms to distribute the load, allowing for PC connection between ferrules while minimizing stress on the housings by restricting movement and releasing coupling between housings, thereby reducing the load on connection portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of MT ferrules are collectively held by a single housing for PC connection, then the number of optical fibers that can be connected increases, but the pressing load on the fixing portion increases excessively leading to potential destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single housing structure into multiple separate housings (first housing and second housing). Each housing holds a subset of ferrules (M ferrules per housing), distributing the total N×M ferrule connection load across multiple independent fixing portions. This segmentation prevents excessive concentrating of pressing load on a single fixing portion while maintaining the capability to connect a large total number of optical fibers.
2Strength
If multiple housings are used to distribute load, then stress on fixing portions is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple housings (first housing and second housing) into a single integrated optical connection structure that functions as one unit. The housings are coupled together through latch mechanisms that allow them to move between locked and unlocked states, enabling the combined structure to be handled, inserted, and operated as a single device despite having multiple internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it couples the first and second housings together, maintains the PC connection state by preventing separation, and allows for easy insertion and removal of the entire optical connection structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving load distribution.
3Reliability
If housings are rigidly fixed to maintain PC connection, then connection stability is improved, but stress concentration on the fixing portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system using latch mechanisms that allow the first and second housings to move relative to each other between locked and unlocked states. During PC connection, the latch mechanisms maintain a locked state for stability, but the ability to unlock and separate the housings allows stress relief and prevents permanent damage from excessive pressing loads. This dynamic capability maintains connection stability when needed while preventing stress concentration damage.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection structure including N first inner housings, a first outer housing, N second inner housings, and a second outer housing. The respective first inner housings hold M first ferrules. The first outer housing holds the first inner housings in an arranged state. The respective second inner housings hold M second ferrules. The second outer housing holds the second inner housings in an arranged state. The optical connection structure includes a first latch mechanism that restrict a movement of the first inner housing relative to the first outer housing in a pullout direction, a second latch mechanism that couples the first inner housing and the second inner housing to each other, and a latch releasing mechanism that releases the first latch mechanism in a state where the first inner housing and the second inner housing are coupled to each other by the second latch mechanism.