Floating Quad Connector Assembly for Variable Middle-Port Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connection systems lack a standard for the distance between the two middle ports of quad adapters, making it challenging to design compatible quad connectors.
Innovation Solution
A quad connector assembly that aggregates multiple simplex fiber optic connectors into a composite quad connector, allowing the distance between duplex groups to vary while maintaining standardized spacing within each duplex group, thus accommodating different quad adapter spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-spacing quad connector design is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different quad adapter spacings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing incorporates a floating mechanism that allows the two duplex connector assemblies to move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the connector to adapt to different spacing requirements of various quad adapters while maintaining standardized spacing between connectors within each duplex group, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom manufacturing is performed for each quad adapter spacing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The quad connector assembly is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple quad adapter types with different spacings. The floating mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains standardized connector spacing within duplex groups, adapts to various adapter spacings, and provides a single standardized interface design. This eliminates the need for multiple custom connector variants, reducing device complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If standardized spacing is maintained within duplex groups, then manufacturing precision is improved, but flexibility to accommodate variable adapter spacings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The quad connector assembly is segmented into two independent duplex connector assemblies, each maintaining standardized spacing between its connectors. These segmented duplex groups can move independently relative to each other through the floating mechanism, allowing the overall connector assembly to adapt to variable adapter spacings while each segment preserves manufacturing precision through standardized internal spacing.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating quad connector assembly is designed to hold two pairs of simplex connecters in a quad formation and to permit the two pairs of connectors to float within the assembly, thereby rendering the quad connector assembly compatible with different quad adapters having different spacings between the two middle simplex ports. Also, a segmental switch module is configured to aggregate multiple category-rated connectors in an array formation while permitting the spacings between the connectors to float, thereby rendering the switch module compatible with port arrays of different port-to-port spacings.