Pivoting Optical Fiber Adapter Holders for Compact Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical fiber adapter mounting devices lack efficient, durable, and compact designs that facilitate easy insertion and removal of connectors, accommodate various adapter types, and provide structural strength against axial forces.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a mounting plate with pivotally coupled adapter holders featuring sliding engagements and enlarged lugs/lips for increased strength and durability, allowing independent pivotable movement and compact arrangement, while supporting multiple adapter types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adapter holders are made pivotally coupled to mounting plate, then ease of operation for connector insertion/removal is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connector insertion/removalVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter holders are designed with pivotal coupling to the mounting plate, enabling them to rotate between a first position (receiving the adapter) and a second position (allowing connector insertion/removal). This dynamic positioning mechanism simplifies the operation of connecting and disconnecting optical fibers without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If wall lug is disposed within wall arcuate channel, then strength against axial forces is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength against axial forcesVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wall lug is positioned within the wall arcuate channel such that it is received by the arcuate slot and engages with the raised lip. This nested arrangement creates a compact, interlocking structure that enhances the device's strength against axial forces while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances through the distributed engagement geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If adapter holders are arranged compactly, then volume of connection apparatus is reduced, but ease of operation for adapter mounting decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of connection apparatusVSAvoidease of adapter mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotal coupling mechanism allows the adapter holders to rotate from a compact stored position to an operational position where the adapter can be easily mounted and disconnected. This dynamic transformation enables the device to maintain a small volume when not in use while providing full operational ease when the adapter holder is in the receiving position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4204880B1Optical fiber adapter mounting devices
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP4204880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4204880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4204880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical fiber adapter mounting device includes a mounting plate and a plurality of adapter holders. The mounting plate includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and a plurality of mounts defined by the base and disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. Each of the plurality of adapter holders are pivotally coupled to the mounting plate at a corresponding mount and configured to support an optical fiber adapter. Each of the plurality of adapter holders include a platform having a first end pivotally coupled to the corresponding mount and a second end. The platform is pivotable between at least a first position, whereby the platform is disposed substantially parallel to the base, and a second position, whereby the second end is raised relative to the base. A frame is disposed at the second end and defines a chamber that receives the optical fiber adapter.