Permanent MPO Connector Housing for Eye Safety and Length Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removability of multi-fiber communication cables from optoelectronic modules poses eye safety risks due to potential exposure to optical signals, and the effective module length of existing connectors contributes to space constraints in host devices.
Innovation Solution
A modified MPO-style male connector with a ferrule and crimp ring is used to permanently attach the multi-fiber communication cable to the optoelectronic module, ensuring secure attachment and reducing the effective module length by preventing cable removal during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MPO-style male connector is used to allow cable removal, then ease of operation is improved, but eye safety is compromised due to potential exposure to optical signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional connector design by making the connector housing permanently attached to the module while the ferrule remains removable. This reversal prevents cable removal during operation (eliminating eye safety risks) while still allowing initial installation and maintenance access, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and eye safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into two distinct parts: a permanently attached housing and a removable ferrule. This segmentation allows the housing to remain fixed for safety while the ferrule can be removed for maintenance, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational ease and eye safety by providing controlled access rather than full removability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional MPO-style connector is used, then ease of operation is improved, but effective module length increases contributing to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the attachment relationship (permanent housing, removable ferrule), the patent reduces the effective module length. The permanent housing allows the module to extend further into the host device, maximizing space utilization, while the removable ferrule maintains installation ease for maintenance purposes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If permanent attachment is implemented, then eye safety is improved by preventing cable removal, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced cable removability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into permanently attached housing and removable ferrule components. This segmentation enables the housing to provide permanent attachment for safety while the ferrule remains removable for maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between eye safety and ease of operation by providing selective removability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the housing permanent rather than the entire connector assembly. This inversion maintains eye safety through permanent attachment while preserving operational ease through ferrule removability, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and operability.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment includes a connector comprising a connector housing, a ferrule, and a crimp ring. The connector housing has inner and outer surfaces extending between forward and rear ends of the connector housing. The inner surfaces defined a passageway extending lengthwise between the forward and rear ends. The connector housing includes at least one protrusion formed on one of the outer surfaces that is configured to engage a corresponding connector engaging structure of an alignment guide to secure the connector housing within the alignment guide. The ferrule is configured to mount upon end portions of a plurality of optical fibers of a multi-fiber communication cable. The ferrule is disposed partially within the passageway. The crimp ring encompasses the rear end of the connector housing and is configured to secure the connector to the multi-fiber communication cable.