Spring-Loaded Fiber Optic Connector for Expandable Multi-Fiber Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors are not easily expandable to accommodate varying numbers of optical fibers and are not robust against environmental factors, while also lacking the ability to integrate electrical connections seamlessly.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector system featuring spring-loaded ferrules and a plug housing with channels and apertures, allowing for easy assembly and connection of multiple optical fibers, as well as the option to include electrical connections, using a plug housing with mating portions and apertures to support fiber optic assemblies in a spring-loaded fashion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fiber optic connectors are used, then connection reliability is maintained, but the system cannot easily accommodate varying numbers of optical fibers and is not robust against environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components including a plug housing with multiple channels, each channel accommodating a separate fiber optic assembly with its own ferrule and spring mechanism. This segmentation allows the connector to accommodate varying numbers of fibers while maintaining individual protection and alignment for each fiber, thus preserving reliability while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug housing design with multiple channels and apertures creates a universal connector that can accommodate different numbers of optical fibers (2, 4, 8, or more) using the same basic structure. The standardized channel configuration allows the same connector type to serve multiple fiber counts, enhancing adaptability without compromising the reliable connection mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple fiber optic connectors are installed to accommodate increasing cable numbers, then transmission capacity increases, but space requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fiber optic connections that would traditionally require separate connectors are merged into a single integrated plug housing containing multiple channels. Each channel provides a complete fiber optic connection capability, but all channels are housed together in one connector body, reducing the total number of discrete connectors needed and simplifying the overall system while increasing the quantity of fiber connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate electrical and fiber optic connections are used, then different cabling types are accommodated, but space and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug housing is designed as a universal connector that can accommodate both fiber optic assemblies and electrical connections within the same structure. The channels can be configured to receive either fiber optic ferrules or electrical contacts, allowing a single connector type to handle different cabling types (fiber and electrical) simultaneously, thus improving adaptability while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized procedures.
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
The system provides a rugged, easy-to-use, and expandable solution for connecting multiple optical fibers, accommodating different fiber counts and integrating electrical connections, enhancing reliability and adaptability in communication infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
placing a spring on at least one optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
The ferrules of the fiber optic assemblies extend through the apertures at the one end of the plug housing in a spring loaded fashion
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector for connecting a plurality of optical fibers comprising a plurality of fiber optic assemblies, each assembly including at least one optical fiber coupled to a ferrule, the ferrule being coupled to a spring. A connector housing is configured to support the plurality of optical fibers. The connector housing includes first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of channels support each of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies, respectfully, disposed between the first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of apertures are formed in at least one of end the housing. The plurality of fiber optic assemblies are supported between the first mating connector portion and the second mating connector portion by the channels such that the springs are disposed between the first and second mating connector portions and the ferrules of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies extend through the apertures at the one end of the connector housing in a spring loaded fashion.