Unitary Retainer Ferrule Assembly for Fiber Optic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density interconnect panels have not been fully realized in communication networks, as existing solutions fail to effectively consolidate increasing interconnections while reducing costs and improving quality of service.
Innovation Solution
A unitary connector with a front-loading mechanism that secures a ferrule assembly within a housing, using a bias spring and flange post to protect and secure optical fibers, and a latch or pull tab for easy adapter port release, allowing for efficient fiber optic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connector designs are used, then assembly and installation processes are complex, but high-density interconnect consolidation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer and ferrule holder into a single unitary component that is pre-assembled with the ferrule. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for retaining the ferrule and holding it in position, thereby simplifying the overall connector assembly process while enabling higher density interconnect consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary retainer and ferrule holder are pre-assembled together before installation into the connector housing. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and positioning of the ferrule within the retainer, reducing installation complexity and enabling efficient high-density interconnect consolidation without requiring complex alignment procedures during final assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If ferrule alignment precision is improved, then insertion loss is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retainer and ferrule holder into a single unitary component with an integrated ferrule-receiving cavity, the patent ensures inherent ferrule alignment. The cavity is precisely formed during molding to provide the required alignment tolerance, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes molding parameters and material properties to achieve precise ferrule alignment. The unitary retainer and ferrule holder are molded as a single piece with tight tolerances on the ferrule-receiving cavity dimensions, ensuring consistent alignment without requiring additional mechanical adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly 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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective consolidation of fiber optic connections, reducing insertion loss and improving network quality by securely holding and aligning ferrules within the connector housing.
Implementation Method 1
The ferrule assembly is biased forward using a bias spring placed at a distal end of the unitary retainer and ferrule assembly
Implementation Method 2
The raised edge or surface expands the flange tube. The tube then attempts to return to its original shape and compresses about the raised surface and backpost and the tube relaxes and seals about the raised surface and the backpost
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are a fiber optic connector construed using a front loadable unitary retainer and ferrule assembly inserted within a unitary connector housing at a proximal end of the connector housing. The unitary retainer and ferrule assembly has a pair of opposing protrusions at a proximal end configured to be accepted within the unitary connector housing and secured further therein with a bias member.