Rotatable Optical Ferrule Bracket for Confined Space Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors on printed circuit boards face challenges with very short fiber cable lengths, limiting manipulation and connection reliability, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board-mounted optical interconnection system featuring a mounting bracket with curved portions and a mated ferrule sub-assembly with pivoting features, allowing for rotatable engagement and secure positive physical contact between ferrule end faces, even with short fiber lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a low-profile interconnection is used to save space, then the area occupied by the connector is reduced, but the fiber length becomes very short which limits manipulation ability
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a pivoting feature that allows the ferrule assembly to rotate between a horizontal installed position and a vertical access position. This dynamic positioning enables operators to easily manipulate and mate connectors during installation and maintenance, while maintaining a compact low-profile configuration during normal operation.
2Length of moving object
If the fiber cable length is made very short to achieve low-profile connection, then the compactness is improved, but the ability to manipulate and connect the interconnection component is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket utilizes a pivoting mechanism that transitions the ferrule assembly between horizontal and vertical dimensions. This dimensional transition provides adequate working space for manipulation during connection operations, while maintaining short fiber length and compact profile during normal horizontal installation.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating ferrule assembly is introduced to improve accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting portion for board attachment, a ferrule assembly holding portion for securing connectors, and a pivoting feature enabling rotation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing while providing the desired rotational functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a circuit board-mounted optical interconnection system comprising a mounting bracket for holding a board-based first optical connector ferrule; a ferrule alignment housing for mating the first optical connector ferrule with a second optical connector ferrule to form a mated ferrule sub-assembly; wherein the mounting bracket comprises a pair of curved portions; the mated ferrule sub-assembly comprises one or more pivoting features for engaging with the curved portions such that the mated ferrule sub-assembly is rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket. The present invention makes mating and un-mating of the connector ferrules easier, particularly in confined working spaces as with racks in telecommunication cabinets.