Optical Multiport Flexure Locking for Compact High-Density Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiports for optical connections are bulky and inflexible, occupying excessive space and requiring complex coupling mechanisms, which limits their deployment in compact environments and raises aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiports with a shell, connection ports, flexures, and securing features that allow for compact, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing optical connections by eliminating the need for bulky housings and complex coupling mechanisms, enabling quick and easy fiber optic connector insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multiports use separate receptacles mounted through housing walls for hardened connectors, then optical connections can be made robust and reliable, but the housing becomes excessively bulky and requires great surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the receptacle and housing into a unified structure where the receptacle is formed as an integral part of the housing rather than a separate component. This merging eliminates the need for separate receptacle assemblies mounted through housing walls, significantly reducing the overall surface area while maintaining the robust optical connection capability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the hardened connector receptacle is embedded within the housing structure. The receptacle cavity is formed inside the housing body, allowing the connection ports to be recessed into the housing rather than protruding outward. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint and surface area while preserving all necessary connection functions.
2Reliability
If conventional multiports use threaded or bayonet coupling mechanisms for hardened connectors, then secure connections can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires more space for manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex threaded or bayonet coupling mechanisms from the hardened connector design. Instead of using these traditional securement methods, the patent employs a simplified push-in insertion mechanism where the connector is directly inserted into the receptacle cavity and secured through friction fit and geometric interlocking, removing unnecessary coupling components and simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardened connector design incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features where the connector geometry itself provides the securing mechanism. The connector includes features such as positioning ribs and recesses that automatically align and lock into the receptacle upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and manual rotation or threading operations.
3Reliability
If conventional multiports use large receptacles for hardened connectors, then reliable optical connections can be made, but the multiport cannot be effectively deployed in tight spaces such as underground pits or crowded poles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of protruding connection ports on the housing surface to a three-dimensional nested configuration where connection ports are recessed into the housing body. This dimensional change allows multiple connection ports to be arranged in a compact grid pattern within the housing footprint, enabling deployment in tight spaces while maintaining reliable optical connections through the recessed port design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact form-factor with increased port density and ease of use, suitable for tight spaces and demanding environments, while maintaining robust and reliable optical connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexure associated with at least one connection port... where the at least one securing feature cooperates with the at least one flexure for deflecting the flexure
Data Source
AI summary
Multiports having connection ports with securing features that cooperate with flexures and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multiport comprises a shell, at least one connection port, at least one flexure and at least one securing feature. The at least one connection port comprises an optical connector opening and a connection port passageway, and the at least one flexure is associated with the at least one connection port. The at least one securing feature is associated with the at least one connection port, where the at least one securing feature cooperates with the at least one flexure.