SFP Transceiver Socket Adapter With Molded Elastic Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SFP transceiver modules for passive optical cables face complexity and high production costs due to the need for precise assembly of multiple mechanical pieces, which complicates the integration of mechanical, optical, and electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified SFP transceiver module design featuring a mechanical shell with molded upper and lower covers and integral elastic clips, which securely holds a ferrule for mating with a passive optical cable connector, reducing the need for additional retainer pieces and allowing the same shell to be used for both passive and active optical cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate mechanical pieces are used to assemble the transceiver module, then the connection security and precision are improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mechanical components (upper cover, lower cover, and retainer clips) into a single integrated molded shell. The retainer clips are formed as integral parts of the shell structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the secure holding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural housing, contains the retainer clips for securing the connector, and integrates the mounting features for the SFP receptacle. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate mechanical pieces are assembled, then the precision alignment is improved, but the manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clips are pre-formed as integral parts of the molded shell during the injection molding process, rather than being added as separate components. This preliminary formation ensures precise alignment is built-in during molding, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming post-assembly alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the shell and retainer clips into a single molded part, the patent eliminates multiple assembly operations and reduces manufacturing steps. The integrated design allows for more economical production through single-step molding, reducing both labor costs and production time while maintaining alignment precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional retainer pieces are used to hold the connector, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clips that provide connector stability are integrated directly into the shell structure as molded-in features. This merging of the retainer function into the main housing eliminates the need for separate retainer pieces while maintaining the stability and secure holding capability for the connector.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies production, reduces costs, and ensures secure connection of optical cables while maintaining precise alignment and functionality, enabling efficient use in both passive and active optical cable applications.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical shell includes molded upper and lower covers, which are joined together along an assembly line and which include a pair of elastic clips, which are molded integrally with at least one of the upper and lower covers and are configured to receive and hold the connector when mated with the ferrule.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a mechanical shell, which is configured to be inserted into a Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) receptacle and contains a notch configured to hold a ferrule for mating with a connector of a passive optical cable. The mechanical shell includes molded upper and lower covers, which are joined together along an assembly line. A pair of elastic clips are molded integrally with at least one of the upper and lower covers and are configured to receive and hold the connector when mated with the ferrule. Circuitry within the shell includes electrical terminals configured to mate with corresponding terminals of the receptacle.