Passive Optical Module Retention Device with Side Edge Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for retaining passive optical modules in optical access networks are space-consuming and provide only transverse retention, leading to inefficiencies when multiple modules are installed.
Innovation Solution
A device with retaining members that act on the side edges or corners of passive optical modules, allowing adjacent modules to contact and reducing the overall space required, featuring elastic portions for easy insertion and snap-fit retention mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic ribs are used to retain passive optical modules, then the modules are retained securely, but 25% of the overall space is wasted on the retaining members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate plastic ribs from the tray structure and instead uses retaining members that act directly on the end portions of the passive optical modules. This extraction of the intermediate retaining elements eliminates the 25% space waste while maintaining secure retention through direct action on the module ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the retention approach from transverse retention (using ribs across the width) to longitudinal retention (using members acting on end portions along the length). This dimensional shift allows modules to be retained securely while minimizing the space occupied by retaining structures.
2Reliability
If traditional retaining devices are used, then modules are retained, but only transverse retention action is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are designed to provide multi-directional retention action, combining both transverse and longitudinal retention capabilities. This allows the same retaining structure to secure modules effectively in multiple directions, enhancing both reliability and adaptability of the retention system.
3Area of stationary object
If space is reduced by allowing side walls to contact, then housing area is optimized, but retention reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members act as intermediaries between the tray and the passive optical modules, providing the necessary retention force while allowing the module side walls to contact for space optimization. The retaining members transfer and distribute the retention forces appropriately to maintain reliability even with reduced spacing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) for retaining passive optical modules (60), the device comprising a base surface (20), a first retaining member (30) and a second retaining member (40) arranged on the base surface for each passive optical module, a receiving area (50) defined between the first retaining member and the second retaining member for receiving a plurality of passive optical modules, wherein the first retaining member (30) is spaced apart from the second retaining member (40) along a longitudinal direction, the receiving area is configured to receive at least two passive optical modules (60) arranged mutually adjacent along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, the first retaining member are configured to cooperate with the second retaining member to retain a plurality of passive optical modules arranged therebetween along the longitudinal direction, the first retaining member is configured to act of an end portion of at least one passive optical module.