Optical Connection Port Securing Features for Stable Connector Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connection ports for fiber optic networks are bulky, require significant space, and lack stable retention forces, posing challenges in limited spaces and aesthetics, while also being prone to damage during over-stress conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of terminals with connection ports featuring a securing feature and a resilient member that provides a pre-load restoring force between 5 and 12 pounds, allowing quick and easy optical connections without the need for threaded or bayonet couplings, and ensuring stable retention and release of fiber optic connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded or bayonet couplings are used to secure connectors, then stable retention force is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded or bayonet coupling mechanism from the connector assembly. Instead of using these complex coupling systems, the invention employs a simplified bayonet-style locking feature that integrates directly into the connector body, removing the need for separate coupling components while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking mechanism and coupling function into a single integrated bayonet-style locking feature. This combined structure eliminates the need for separate threaded or bayonet couplings, reducing device complexity while providing stable retention force through the unified locking design.
2Reliability
If multiple receptacles are mounted on housing walls to protect indoor connectors, then optical connections are secured, but housing size and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the bayonet-style locking feature is integrated within the connector body itself, and the connector is then received within the receptacle. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional protective housings or wall-mounted receptacles, as the locking mechanism is self-contained within the connector assembly, thereby reducing the overall housing footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical connection system into modular components with the bayonet-style locking feature as a self-contained unit. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to function independently within the connector, eliminating the need for additional protective structures and reducing the housing surface area required.
3Strength
If hardened connectors are used for outdoor applications, then connection robustness is improved, but space requirements for mounting and cable management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the robustness features of hardened outdoor connectors with the compact bayonet-style locking mechanism. The integrated design combines the strength and durability needed for outdoor applications with a space-efficient locking system, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and cable management components that would increase volume requirements.
4Ease of operation
If conventional receptacles with adapter sleeves are used, then optical connections are established, but device bulk and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adapter sleeve component from the receptacle assembly. The bayonet-style locking feature is designed to work directly with the connector without requiring an intermediate adapter sleeve, thereby reducing the receptacle assembly volume while maintaining full optical connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the receptacle and locking mechanism into a more integrated assembly. The bayonet-style locking feature is combined with the receptacle structure, eliminating the need for separate adapter sleeves and reducing the overall volume of the stationary receptacle assembly while preserving ease of operation.
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 enables compact, aesthetically pleasing, and organized optical connections with robust retention forces, preventing damage to connectors and terminals under stress, suitable for various network environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one securing feature resilient member for biasing a portion of the at least one securing feature, wherein the at least one securing feature resilient member comprises a pre-load restoring force
Data Source
AI summary
Devices such as terminals comprising connection ports with associated securing features and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a shell, at least one connection port, and at least one securing feature. The at least one connection port is disposed on the terminal with the at least one connection port comprising an optical connector opening extending from an outer surface of the terminal to a cavity of the terminal and defining a connection port passageway. The securing feature is associated with the connection port passageway and is biased by a resilient member having a predetermined pre-load restoring force to the retain position.