Stepped Multi-Gang Fiber Adapter Layout for Dense 1U Plug Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber adapters in high-density distribution boxes face challenges in easy plug-and-unplug operations due to close adjacency, complex structure, and high assembly costs, occupying excessive space and complicating automatic assembly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-gang adapter design with offset front and rear ends of optical fiber adapters, integrated adapter bodies, and elastic sheets for stable insertion, allowing for efficient assembly and minimal space occupation in 1U distribution boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If adapters are arranged flush in the distribution box to achieve high wiring capacity and high density, then the floor space is reduced, but it becomes difficult to unlock with fingers and difficult to plug and unplug the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies stepped arrangement in the longitudinal direction to offset adjacent adapters, creating dimensional separation that enables finger access and connector operations while maintaining high density in the width direction. This transforms the arrangement from a single-plane flush layout to a multi-level stepped configuration, resolving the contradiction between compact volume and operational accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If adapters are partly offset to improve plug and unplug operation, then accessibility is improved, but it occupies a relatively large volume of the wiring box
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped arrangement utilizes the longitudinal dimension to create offset levels, allowing adapters to be separated for operational access without expanding the overall width or height of the distribution box. This dimensional approach achieves accessibility while maintaining compact volume by efficiently utilizing available space in the longitudinal direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapters have complex structures with many parts to achieve functional requirements, then adaptation capability is improved, but it is not convenient for automatic assembly and results in high overall costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple adapter functions and components into a unified structure with standardized interfaces. By merging previously separate parts into an integrated adapter body with built-in socket and positioning features, the design enables automatic assembly while maintaining full adaptability for different optical fiber connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with universal functionality to accommodate various optical fiber connector types through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional design consolidates multiple specialized components into a single adapter unit, simplifying the assembly process and reducing part count while maintaining versatility across different connector standards.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a multi-gang adapter for high-density assembly, comprising at least three gangs of optical fiber adapters adjacent to each other in a width direction, the at least three gangs of optical fiber adapters are arranged in steps in the longitudinal direction, a front end and rear end of each optical fiber adapter of the at least three gangs of optical fiber adapters are offset in a longitudinal direction relative to a front end and rear end of adjacent optical fiber adapter. In this way, the optical fiber adapters can be fully offset from each other to facilitate the insertion and removal of optical fiber plugs, and at the same time ensure that each optic fiber adapter can be reasonably assembled and distributed in the 1U distribution box, thereby occupying as little space as possible in the 1U distribution box.