Optical Fiber Housing Assembly with Removable Adapter Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connector assemblies face issues with light leakage after connector removal, requiring complex and costly covers or shields, and ferrules are often difficult to remove without special tools.
Innovation Solution
An optical housing assembly with aligned cavities and adapter inserts that securely lock optical fiber connectors, using a housing member with locking mechanisms and flexible adapter inserts to manage ferrules and prevent light leakage, and optional dust covers for added protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If covers and shields are used to deflect light transmitted through the vacated receptacle, then light leakage is prevented, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter insert is extracted as a separate, removable component from the housing, allowing it to be independently managed and replaced. This extraction simplifies the overall system by separating the light-blocking function from the permanent housing structure, enabling simpler, more modular light shielding solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter insert is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component rather than a permanent part of the housing. This allows the use of simpler, less expensive materials for light shielding in the adapter insert, which can be discarded or replaced without affecting the main housing structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ferrules are permanently mounted within connector assembly or housing, then connection stability is improved, but ferrule removal requires special tools and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct components: the housing, the adapter insert, and the ferrule. The adapter insert acts as an intermediate component that can be independently removed from the housing, allowing ferrules to be accessed and removed without requiring special tools or disassembling the entire housing structure, thus maintaining connection stability during use while enabling easy removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter insert serves as an intermediary component between the housing and the ferrule. It provides a stable mounting interface for the ferrule during operation, ensuring connection stability, while simultaneously acting as a removable intermediary that facilitates easy ferrule removal by allowing the adapter insert itself to be extracted from the housing without special tools.
3Ease of operation
If adapter inserts are made removable and lockable, then ease of operation for ferrule removal is improved, but the device complexity increases due to locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter insert incorporates a self-latching mechanism that automatically engages when the adapter insert is inserted into the housing, providing secure locking without requiring additional tools or complex manual operations. The mechanism is designed to be simple and self-actuating, reducing operational complexity while maintaining secure attachment during use and enabling easy release when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical housing assembly includes a housing member having a first face and a second face. The first face has a plurality of first cavities and the second face has a plurality of second cavities. Each of the first cavities is aligned with one of the second cavities and each of the first cavities and each of the second cavities has a housing locking member. Each of a plurality of first adapter inserts have a first mounting section inserted into one of the first cavities, a first receptacle configured to receive a first optical fiber connector therein, and a first connector latching member. Each of a plurality of second adapter inserts has a second mounting section inserted into one of the second cavities, a second receptacle, and a second connector latching member.