Transparent Optical Connector Port Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical fiber networks, it is challenging to accurately and quickly identify the port connected to an optical fiber connector, especially in passive optical networks where optical fibers between user-side ONUs and the splitter are entangled, making it difficult for installation engineers to disconnect the correct connector without interrupting other users' networks.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first and second light transmission part, where the first light transmission part is located on the ferrule assembly and the second light transmission part on the housing, allowing detection light to be visualized on the equipment room side, enabling the identification of the port connected to the optical component, such as a splitter, by observing the light carried on the optical fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are used to connect ONUs to the splitter in a PON network, then optical communication can be established, but the optical fibers become entangled and it becomes difficult to identify which connector is connected to which port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by making the connector housing transparent or translucent, allowing light to pass through and become visible from the outside. This enables installation engineers to identify connected ports by observing light transmission through the transparent housing, directly solving the port identification difficulty while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to indicate the connection state. By allowing light to pass through the transparent connector housing, the system creates a visual intermediary signal that helps engineers identify which connector is connected to which port without physically tracing the entangled optical fibers
2Productivity
If multiple connectors are connected to the splitter, then more users can be served, but it becomes increasingly difficult to identify the specific port for disconnection during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent or translucent housing design allows light to pass through and become visible, enabling rapid identification of connected ports among multiple connectors. This visual indication method allows engineers to quickly locate the correct connector for disconnection without time-consuming manual tracing, thus reducing the time loss during maintenance while supporting network expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing itself provides the identification function through its transparent material property. The housing automatically indicates the connection state by allowing light transmission, eliminating the need for additional external identification tools or complex tracing procedures, thereby reducing maintenance time as the network expands
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional opaque connector housings are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but installation engineers cannot visually identify light transmission and connector connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from opaque to transparent or translucent housing material, enabling light transmission visibility. This material change maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while solving the light transmission detection difficulty, as transparent plastics are commonly available and can be molded using standard processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the housing material from opaque to transparent/translucent. This parameter change allows light to pass through the housing, enabling visual detection of light transmission and connector connections without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
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 solution allows installation engineers to accurately and quickly identify the port connected to the optical fiber connector, preventing network interruptions during maintenance or repairs by providing a visible indication of the connector's connection point, thus facilitating efficient network operations.
Implementation Method 1
A first light transmission part is disposed on an outer wall of the ferrule assembly, a second light transmission part is disposed on the housing, the second light transmission part and the first light transmission part at least partially overlap, and the first light transmission part and the second light transmission part are used to observe light carried on the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a first light transmission part and a second light transmission part, and when the connector is connected to an optical component, observing, by using the first light transmission part and the second light transmission part on an equipment room side, a detection light to identify the connector, and identifying an output port through which a user-side optical network unit (ONU) is connected to an equipment-room-side splitter.