Optical Interface Tool for Dense SFP Port Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing density of optical fiber ports in telecommunications and networking devices makes it difficult to insert or extract optical fibers and small form factor pluggable devices without interfering with surrounding cables, as existing tools require a range of motion that is not compatible with densely packed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an elongated handle featuring a C-shaped cradle element and an L-shaped hook element, along with a U-shaped notch, allows for the remote insertion and extraction of optical fibers and SFP modules by engaging and disengaging connectors and modules with precision, minimizing interference with other cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical fiber ports are arranged in high density configurations, then the number of ports per area is improved, but the ease of operation for inserting and extracting optical fibers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary device to facilitate the insertion and extraction of optical fibers in high-density configurations. The tool includes a C-shaped cradle element that engages with the optical fiber connector and an L-shaped hook element that interacts with the latch mechanism, allowing operators to manipulate connectors without directly using their fingers, thus solving the ease of operation problem while maintaining high port density
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional elements: a C-shaped cradle element for gripping the connector body, an L-shaped hook element for actuating the latch, and an elongated handle for leverage. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, enabling precise manipulation in crowded port configurations where direct manual operation is difficult
2Ease of operation
If the range of motion is increased to accommodate manual manipulation of connectors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and spatial requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a dynamic mechanism where the C-shaped cradle element can open and close to engage and disengage from the connector, while the L-shaped hook element can pivot to access the latch mechanism from different angles. This dynamic design allows the tool to adapt to the spatial constraints of high-density configurations without requiring excessive range of motion or adding device complexity
3Ease of operation
If a tool is designed to reach into densely packed areas, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tool exhibits local quality through its specifically shaped elements: the C-shaped cradle element has a curvature matched to the connector body, the L-shaped hook element has specific dimensions to engage the latch mechanism, and the notch is positioned at a precise location. These localized geometric features are designed to interface with specific parts of the optical fiber connector, enabling the tool to function effectively in dense configurations while maintaining manufacturability through standardized geometries
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for insertion and extraction of optical fibers includes an elongated handle, a generally C-shaped cradle element at a first end of the elongated handle, a generally L-shaped hook element at a second end of the elongated handle having a long section connected to the elongated handle parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated handle and a short section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated handle, and a generally U-shaped notch formed in the second end of the elongated handle. The tool is configured to facilitate the remote insertion and removal of an optical cable into an optical port of a device, such as a networking or telecommunications device. Various embodiments allow for the remote disengagement and removal of an SFP module from a device, such as a networking or telecommunications device.