Plastic Optical Module Pivot Guide for Fiber Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pivoting optical telecommunication modules made of plastic material lack guide elements for optical fibers at the interface with the support part, leading to potential damage due to rotational movements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a concave curved wall or guide channel with retaining tabs upstream of the pivot axis to guide and secure optical fibers, reducing stress and facilitating assembly, while allowing reversible mounting on either side for standardization and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the module is designed to pivot relative to the support piece, then the module can be easily installed and repositioned, but the optical fibers are subjected to rotational movements that can cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and repositioningVSAvoidfiber damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a fixed support piece and a pivoting module that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The support piece remains stationary while the module pivots, separating the stable mounting function from the repositioning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Optical fiber guide elements are introduced as intermediaries between the pivoting module and the fixed support piece. These guide elements channel and constrain the optical fibers along a controlled path during pivoting, preventing uncontrolled movements that would damage the fibers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If guide elements are added to protect optical fibers during pivoting, then fiber damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber guide elements are integrated into the pivoting module structure itself rather than being separate components. The guide channels are molded directly into the module housing, combining the protective function with the existing structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide elements serve multiple functions: they protect optical fibers from damage, define the pivoting path, and maintain proper alignment between the module and support piece. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support piece is fixed to the mounting frame, then stability is achieved, but assembly and disassembly become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support piece is designed with pre-formed engagement features (such as clips or mounting tabs) that allow it to be quickly attached to and detached from the mounting frame. This preliminary design of the mounting interface enables stable fixation during operation while facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3579037B1Device for optical telecommunication pivoting modules made from plastic material
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 NEXANS SA
  • EP3579037B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3579037B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3579037B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for swiveling optical telecommunication modules made of plastic, adapted to be supported by a mounting frame intended to receive an optical telecommunication module (4), comprising for each module a lateral support piece (2) having at least one first swivel arrangement (3), the module having at least one second swivel arrangement (4A, 4B) adapted to be attached to said first swivel arrangement (3). According to the invention, said support piece (2) includes at least one optical fiber guide portion upstream of said first swivel arrangement(s) (3) along the optical fiber path.