Optical Fiber Adapter Mechanical Interlock Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber adapters face issues with mechanical stress causing separation of adapter halves, and ultrasonic welding can lead to overflow of molten materials, hindering connector insertion if not controlled properly.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece optical fiber adapter design featuring a molded plastic main body with protruding portions and a cover plate with hooking portions that securely attach via inclined surfaces, preventing separation and ensuring proper connector insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional two-half adapter design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to stress from flexed cables causing separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate adapter halves into a single integrated adapter body with a unified housing structure. This eliminates the joint between halves that would separate under stress, while the housing still allows manufacturing through modular assembly of internal components like the carrier and alignment features.
2Strength
If metal material is used for adapter halves, then strength is improved to withstand stress, but cost deteriorates due to higher material and molding expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining a strong integrated housing structure with strategically placed reinforcement ribs and stiffening features within the plastic body. This creates a composite-like effect that enhances strength and stress resistance while maintaining the cost advantages of plastic manufacturing over metal.
3Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic welding is used to attach cover plate, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to overflow of molten material hindering connector insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic ultrasonic welding process and replaces it with alternative attachment methods such as snap-fit mechanisms, interference fits, or mechanical interlocking features. This eliminates the molten material overflow issue while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple assembly operations.
4Strength
If one-piece adapter design is used, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like cover plate and protruding portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the integrated housing to simultaneously serve multiple purposes: providing structural strength, containing internal components, guiding connector alignment, and supporting the cover plate attachment. This reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining integrity.
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
The adapter design enhances mechanical stability and prevents overflow during ultrasonic welding, ensuring reliable and efficient optical fiber connector alignment and attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the cover plate has a plurality of hooking portions formed thereon for hooking on to the protruding portions, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber adapter according to the present disclosure includes a main body, an inner housing and a cover plate. The main body has an accommodation room in an axial direction defined by a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall, wherein the first wall faces the third wall and connects with the second and fourth walls. An access opening is arranged on the first wall. The inner housing may be inserted into the accommodation room through the access opening on the first wall. Two protruding portions extend from the second and fourth walls, respectively. The cover plate is configured to cover the access opening on the first wall, wherein the cover plate has a plurality of hooking portions formed thereon for hooking on to the protruding portions, respectively.