Multi-purpose Rotatable Boot for High-density Fiber Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density optical connectors in data centers face challenges with increased stress on cables and connectors due to compact designs, leading to potential damage and disruptions in network performance, as operators struggle to access and manage closely spaced connectors effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of micro optical connectors with a remote release mechanism and multi-purpose rotatable boot assembly allows for easy polarity change and connector removal without damaging surrounding components, featuring a narrow pitch LC duplex connector design and alignment/offset key for stable insertion and reduced risk of signal mismatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If connector size is shrunk to increase density, then the number of connectors per footprint increases, but the stress on cables and connectors increases leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pull ring mechanism that extends the release action outward from the connector body, allowing operators to apply force at a distance from the dense connector array. This dimensional extension enables cable stress relief without requiring direct manipulation of the connector bodies themselves, thus resolving the contradiction between high density and reduced stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull ring serves as an intermediary component between the operator's hand and the connector release mechanism. By providing this intermediate element, operators can activate the release without directly touching or pushing aside adjacent connectors and cables, thereby reducing stress on the dense connector array while maintaining ease of operation.
2Area of stationary object
If spacing between connectors is reduced to increase density, then more connectors fit in the same area, but access to release mechanisms becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the release activation function from the connector body and relocates it to the pull ring that extends outward. This separation allows operators to access and activate the release mechanism without needing to reach into the dense connector array, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving high density through reduced spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
By extending the pull ring outward from the connector body, the patent creates an external access point for the release mechanism. This dimensional extension allows operators to interact with the release function from outside the dense connector footprint, resolving the contradiction between compact area and easy access.
3Ease of operation
If operators use tools to access release mechanisms in dense configurations, then access may be achieved, but line of sight is obstructed and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pull ring design enables self-service release activation where the operator can directly pull the ring to engage the release mechanism without requiring precise tool manipulation. The oversized pull ring provides intuitive feedback and requires no complex tool guidance, allowing rapid activation even in dense configurations where line of sight is limited.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical connector holding two or more LC- type optical ferrules is provided. The optical connector includes an outer body, an inner front body accommodating the two or more LC-type optical ferrules, ferrule springs for urging the optical ferrules towards a mating connection, and a back body for supporting the ferrule springs. A removable inner front body for polarity change is disclosed. A multi- purpose rotatable boot assembly for polarity change is disclosed. The multi-purpose boot assembly can be pushed and pulled to insert and remove the micro connector from an adapter receptacle.