Split Fiber Optic Connector for Narrow Conduit Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable connecting devices are bulky and inflexible, making it difficult to pass them through narrow conduits and increasing fabrication costs due to integrated electrical and optical components in a single housing.
Innovation Solution
The connecting device is split into two separate parts, with one part containing electrical components and connectors for signal processing and the other part containing optical transceivers and fibers, allowing for a smaller, more flexible design and easier fabrication by separating the components and minimizing the size of the optical housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical and optical components are integrated in a single housing, then signal conversion function is achieved, but device size increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate parts: a first part containing electrical components (electrical connectors and electrical component) and a second part containing optical components (optical transceivers and optical fibers). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing overall device size and improving flexibility while maintaining the signal conversion function between electrical and optical domains.
2Length of moving object
If integrated housing is used for signal conversion, then functional completeness is achieved, but passage through narrow conduits becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device into two compact parts connected by a flexible cable, each part can be made small enough to pass through narrow conduits. The first part with electrical connectors and the second part with optical transceivers can be installed separately in different locations, enabling passage through tight spaces that would accommodate neither a bulky integrated device nor individual components.
3Ease of manufacture
If integrated housing structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is manufactured as two separate modules that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes for electrical and optical components independently. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, reducing material waste and enabling more efficient assembly through standardized interfaces, thereby lowering overall fabrication costs despite the additional connection interface.
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 reduces the overall size of the connecting device, enabling easier passage through narrow conduits and lowering fabrication costs while maintaining effective signal conversion between electrical and optical signals.
Implementation Method 1
optical transceivers disposed within the second housing, the optical transceivers being electrically connected to the third electrical connector and optically coupled to the optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device for a fiber optic cable includes a first part having first and second electrical connectors located on its housing, and a second part having a third electrical connector located on its housing. The second and third electrical connectors are adapted to be mechanically and electrically connect with each other or disconnected from each other. The first part has electrical components disposed within its housing and electrically connected to the first and second electrical connectors. The second part receives end portions of optical fibers of the fiber optic cable; it has optical transceivers within its housing but no other electrical circuitry. Also disclosed is a cable device employing an optical fiber cable and two connecting devices at its two ends, at least one of which having a structure described above. Various form factors can be adopted for the first part, including a plug, wall plate, standalone box, etc.