Optical Port Segmented Latching for VLF and Non-VLF Plug Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical ports are not adaptable to mate with different types of optical plugs, specifically limiting their versatility as they are designed primarily for Versatile Link Family (VLF) components and cannot accommodate non-VLF-type plugs, necessitating the need for port changes when using diverse optical plug systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical port design featuring a port base with multiple latching features, allowing it to engage both VLF-type and non-VLF-type optical plugs by utilizing segmented receptacle walls with inner and outer ridges for flexible latching, enabling compatibility with various plug configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical port is designed with a single latching configuration for VLF components, then the latching mechanism is simple and reliable, but the port cannot mate with non-VLF-type optical plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle wall is segmented into multiple sections with different latching features. The first section includes a first latching feature adapted to engage with VLF-type plugs, while the second section includes a second latching feature adapted to engage with non-VLF-type plugs. This segmentation allows the single optical port to accommodate multiple plug types without requiring a complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical port is designed with universal adaptability by incorporating multiple latching features within a single receptacle. The receptacle can universally mate with both VLF-type and non-VLF-type optical plugs through its multiple configured latching features, eliminating the need for separate ports for different plug types.
2Productivity
If multiple optical ports are used to support different plug types, then each port is optimized for its specific plug type, but the system requires frequent port changes reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latching features for different plug types are merged into a single optical port receptacle. The receptacle integrates both the first latching feature (for VLF plugs) and the second latching feature (for non-VLF plugs) within the same structural unit, allowing the system to maintain high productivity by eliminating port changes while preserving adaptability to multiple plug types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the receptacle wall is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the port housing is strong, but it cannot flex to accommodate different plug geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle wall is divided into multiple sections that can flex independently. This segmentation allows specific portions of the receptacle to flex and adapt to different plug geometries while the overall receptacle structure maintains its structural stability and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle wall incorporates dynamic flexibility through its segmented structure, allowing it to adapt its shape and configuration when mating with different plug types. This dynamic capability enables the receptacle to flex as needed while maintaining overall structural integrity and stable positioning during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical port is provided that is adapted to mate with optical plugs of at least first and second types. For example, the first type of optical plug may be a VLF-type optical plug and the second type of optical plug may be a non-VLF-type optical plug. The optical port has at least one first latching feature for engaging at least one first latching feature of a VLF-type optical plug with which the optical port may be mated. The optical port has at least one second latching feature for engaging at least one second latching feature of a non-VLF-type optical plug with which the optical port may be mated.