Integrated Opto-Electric Connector Assembly for Reliable FTTP Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structure of existing optical connectors and adapters in fiber-to-the-premises networks is complicated, leading to poor transmission performance.
Innovation Solution
An opto-electric transmission assembly comprising a simplified adapter and connector design that includes a first housing with a blocking portion and clamping mechanism, and a second housing with a ferrule and terminal, allowing for efficient optical and electrical signal transmission through interference fitting and elastic connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adapter and connector use a complicated structure to ensure connection functionality, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical connection function and electrical connection function into a single integrated adapter-connector assembly. The adapter housing simultaneously accommodates both the optical ferrule and electrical contacts, while the connector housing integrates both optical and electrical components. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical and electrical connectors, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable dual-signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter and connector are designed as multi-functional units that can simultaneously establish both optical signal paths and electrical signal paths. The adapter housing serves multiple purposes: providing structural support, guiding the optical ferrule, and accommodating electrical contacts. Similarly, the connector housing integrates optical alignment features and electrical contact mechanisms, enabling a single component to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices
2Device complexity
If the adapter and connector use a simplified structure to reduce complexity and cost, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transmission performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing precise alignment features and interference fitting mechanisms only at the critical optical connection interfaces, while other non-critical parts of the assembly use simpler structures. The optical ferrule and its receiving cavity incorporate precise dimensional tolerances and alignment features to ensure high-quality optical transmission, whereas the electrical contact areas and housing structures use more economical designs. This selective application of precision ensures excellent transmission performance where needed without unnecessarily increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter and connector incorporate pre-configured alignment features and positioning mechanisms that automatically guide the optical ferrule and electrical contacts into correct positions during insertion. The interference fitting structure is pre-designed with specific dimensional relationships that automatically ensure proper alignment when components are assembled, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during installation or operation
3Ease of manufacture
If the adapter and connector use traditional separate designs for optical and electrical connections, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical connection assembly and electrical connection assembly into integrated units. The adapter housing is manufactured as a single component that simultaneously receives both the optical ferrule and electrical contacts, while the connector housing integrates both optical and electrical terminals. This integration allows both optical and electrical connections to be established simultaneously in a single assembly operation, dramatically improving assembly efficiency compared to traditional separate designs that would require multiple assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter is configured to connect to a connector. The adapter includes a first housing and an electrical connector. The first housing is defined a first accommodating groove and a through hole communicating with each other. The electrical connector includes an electrical connecting portion, a supporting portion, and an elastic portion. The supporting portion connects the electrical connecting portion to the elastic portion. The supporting portion is accommodated in the through hole, and the electrical connecting portion extends through the first housing; the elastic portion extends from the supporting portion toward the first accommodating groove; the elastic portion is configured to be bent relative to the supporting portion, and the elastic portion is configured to electrically connect to a terminal. The present disclosure provides a connector and an opto-electric transmission assembly.