Optical-Fiber Adapter With Integrated Power Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LC-type optical-fiber adapters lack additional functionalities beyond optical signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

An optical-fiber adapter with a conductive module and adapter body design that allows for both optical signal and electric power transmission, featuring a conductive module with conductive terminals and a base component for integrating with optoelectronic connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional LC-type optical-fiber adapter is used, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but additional functions such as electric power transmission cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidadapter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the optical signal transmission function and electric power transmission function into a single adapter body. The adapter integrates both optical connectors for signal transmission and conductive terminals for power transmission, eliminating the need for separate components and achieving multi-functionality in one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both an optical connector for signal transmission and an electrical connector for power transmission. This universal design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the adapter body structure is simplified, then manufacturing ease is improved, but positioning precision of internal components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter body fabricationVSAvoidcomponent positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body employs localized structural features such as positioning protrusions and corresponding recesses at specific locations to ensure precise positioning of internal components. Rather than requiring the entire structure to be complex, only critical areas have enhanced geometric features that guide and secure components in their correct positions during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter body includes pre-formed positioning structures and guiding features that are integrated into the molded structure. These preliminary positioning elements are built-in during manufacturing, ensuring that subsequent components self-align and self-position correctly without requiring additional complex assembly steps or external positioning devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4686969A1Optical-fiber adapter
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ACON OPTICS COMM INC
  • EP4686969A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686969A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4686969A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical-fiber adapter (100) includes an adapter body (1), a base component (2), and a conductive module (3).Two ends of the adapter body (1) have a first mating side (11) and a second mating side (12).Four side walls of the adapter body (1) define a receiving cavity (10), the first mating side (11) has a first insertion opening (111) in communication with the receiving cavity (10), and the second mating side (12) has a second insertion opening (121) in communication with the receiving cavity (10).A bottom portion of the adapter body (1) has an assembling groove (13) in communication with the receiving cavity (10).The base component (2) is retained in the receiving cavity (10).The conductive module (3) includes conductive terminals (32).One of two ends of each conductive terminal (32) is in the receiving cavity (10) and adjacent to the assembling groove (13), and the other end of each conductive terminal (32) extends out of the assembling groove (13) from the receiving cavity (10).