Fiber Optic Adapter Block With Staggered Connector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic adapter blocks face challenges in managing high-density connector installations, where accessing individual connectors is difficult due to interference from adjacent connectors, particularly in rows of three or more, leading to unintended disconnections.
Innovation Solution
The fiber optic adapter block is designed with a staggered alternating arrangement of connectors, where every other adapter is positioned at a different depth, allowing for improved access and reduced interference during connector removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fiber optic adapters are arranged in a high-density stacked configuration, then the number of connections per unit area increases, but connector accessibility deteriorates due to interference from adjacent connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies staggered alternating arrangement where every other adapter is offset in the transverse direction, creating depth differentiation. This dimensional offset allows operators to access connectors at different depths without interference from adjacent connectors, resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining high density stacking
2Area of stationary object
If fiber optic adapters are arranged in a compact stacked configuration, then the device footprint is reduced, but connector removal becomes difficult due to adjacent connector interference
Solution Approach 1:
By staggering every other adapter in the transverse direction, the patent creates depth variation that provides operational clearance for connector removal. This maintains the compact footprint while enabling easier maintenance operations through the staggered depth arrangement
3Productivity
If fiber optic adapters are arranged in a high-density configuration, then connection density increases, but unintended disconnections increase due to connector interference
Solution Approach 1:
The staggered alternating arrangement creates physical separation in the transverse direction, reducing mechanical interference between adjacent connectors. This dimensional offset prevents unintended disconnections while preserving high connection density in the stacked configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic adapter block is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter block includes at least three fiber optic adapters provided in a stacked arrangement extending widthwise in a longitudinal direction, wherein every other adapter of the at least three fiber optic adapters is staggered in a front to back direction with respect to an adjacent adapter such that front ends of the every other adapter of the at least three fiber optic adapters are aligned at a first depth and a front end of the adjacent adapter is at a second depth that is different than the first depth.