Optical Fiber Switch Module Positioning Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber switch modules have a reduced connection density due to the size enlargement caused by elastic latching arms and movement clearance, which hampers the efficient packing of optical fiber connections in data centers and similar high-density applications.
Innovation Solution
A high-density optical fiber switch module design featuring a box body with positioning grooves and protrusions on the optical fiber adaptor and the box body, respectively, allowing for fixed attachment without flanges or elastic latching arms, enabling a more compact arrangement of adaptors and improving connection density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic latching arm is used to attach the duplex LC adaptor to the front panel, then the adaptor can be securely fixed, but the size of the adaptor is enlarged and connection density is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic latching arm from the adaptor structure and relocates the latching function to the box body. The positioning groove is integrated into the box body rather than being part of the adaptor, thereby extracting the bulky latching mechanism from the adaptor and reducing its size.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching function is merged with the box body structure. The positioning groove is formed as an integral part of the box body, combining the fixation function with the existing housing structure rather than adding a separate latching arm component.
2Reliability
If an elastic latching arm is used for attachment, then the adaptor can be secured, but movement clearance is allowed which reduces connection density
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the adaptor to move freely and then securing it, the patent inverts the approach by providing precise positioning grooves in the box body that constrain the adaptor from the beginning. The positioning groove geometry controls the movement clearance precisely, allowing only the necessary degree of freedom for insertion while maintaining stability.
3Quantity of substance
If more optical fiber connections are implemented within a unit of volume, then connection density is improved, but the complexity of the assembly structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the front panel into multiple independent mounting positions, each capable of accommodating an adaptor. The positioning grooves are distributed across the box body at standardized locations, allowing modular assembly of multiple adaptors without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A high density optical fiber switch module comprises a box body whose front end is provided with several optical fiber adapters, the top surface or bottom surface of the optical fiber adapter is provided with a first positioning groove which extending along the direction perpendicular to a direction in which the optical fiber plug is inserted into the optical fiber adapter, and a first positioning protrusion matching with the first positioning groove is arranged on the inner surface of the box body so that when the first positioning protrusion is latched within the first positioning groove, the optical fiber adapter is fixed to the front end of the box body.