Staggered Fiber Optic Adapter Block for Dense Connector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors in high-density applications face challenges with ease of access and reduced interference during installation and maintenance, particularly for connectors positioned between or next to others, leading to unintentional disconnection of multiple connectors.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic adapter block with a staggered alternating arrangement of connectors, where every other connector is offset in the front-to-back direction, providing improved access and reducing interference, while maintaining a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If connectors are arranged in a high-density stacked configuration, then the number of connectors per unit area increases, but the ease of access to individual connectors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar arrangement of connectors to a three-dimensional staggered configuration. Connectors are positioned at alternating depths (front-to-back offset) within the adapter block, creating a stepped or zigzag pattern that allows operators to access individual connectors without interference from adjacent ones, thereby maintaining ease of operation while increasing connector density.
2Area of stationary object
If connectors are positioned closely together in high-density arrangements, then the footprint of the adapter block is reduced, but the risk of unintentional disconnection of multiple connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector positions into distinct depth levels within the adapter block. By offsetting every other connector in the front-to-back direction, each connector occupies a unique spatial zone that is physically separated from its neighbors. This segmentation prevents force applied to one connector from inadvertently affecting adjacent connectors, thereby maintaining connection stability despite the compact footprint.
3Ease of operation
If a staggered alternating arrangement is implemented, then ease of access to individual connectors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the staggered positioning feature directly into the molded body of the adapter block, creating a unitary structure where the housing and connector positions are formed as one piece. This merging of the positioning function into the basic structure eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms or complex assembly steps, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the accessibility benefits of the staggered arrangement.
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.