18736887. FERRULES, ALIGNMENT FRAMES AND CONNECTORS simplified abstract (3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY)

FERRULES, ALIGNMENT FRAMES AND CONNECTORS

Organization Name

3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Alexander A. Mathews of Austin TX (US)

Terry L. Smith of Roseville MN (US)

Michael A. Haase of St. Paul MN (US)

FERRULES, ALIGNMENT FRAMES AND CONNECTORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18736887 titled 'FERRULES, ALIGNMENT FRAMES AND CONNECTORS

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes ferrules, alignment frames, and connectors with flexible elements for improved mating.

Key Features and Innovation:

• Ferrules, alignment frames, and connectors with flexible arms for enhanced mating.
• Ferrules with flexible arms that bend away from the body when mated with another ferrule.
• Improved contact between mating ferrules due to the flexible arms.
• Enhanced alignment and connection stability in optical and electronic systems.
• Potential for increased durability and reliability in connector systems.

Potential Applications: The technology could be applied in telecommunications, data centers, fiber optics, and other industries requiring precise and reliable connections.

Problems Solved: The technology addresses issues related to alignment, stability, and durability in connector systems, improving overall performance and reliability.

Benefits:

• Enhanced mating and alignment accuracy.
• Improved stability and durability of connections.
• Potential for increased efficiency and reliability in optical and electronic systems.

Commercial Applications: The technology could be utilized in telecommunications infrastructure, data centers, medical devices, and other industries requiring high-performance connector systems.

Prior Art: Readers can explore prior art related to flexible connector elements, alignment frames, and ferrules in the field of optical and electronic connectors.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on the latest research and developments in flexible connector technology, alignment frames, and connector design for improved performance.

Questions about Ferrules, Alignment Frames, and Connectors with Flexible Elements: 1. How do flexible arms in ferrules improve connection stability? 2. What industries could benefit the most from this technology?

1. A relevant generic question not answered by the article, with a detailed answer. How do flexible connector elements impact the overall efficiency of optical and electronic systems? Flexible connector elements play a crucial role in enhancing the alignment, stability, and durability of connections in optical and electronic systems. By allowing for precise mating and improved contact between connectors, flexible elements contribute to increased efficiency and reliability in data transmission and communication processes.

2. Another relevant generic question, with a detailed answer. What are the potential long-term benefits of implementing flexible connector technology in various industries? Implementing flexible connector technology in industries such as telecommunications, data centers, and medical devices can lead to long-term benefits such as improved performance, reduced maintenance costs, increased system reliability, and enhanced overall efficiency. By enhancing connection stability and durability, flexible connector technology can contribute to the seamless operation of critical infrastructure and communication networks.

Original Abstract Submitted

Ferrules, alignment frames and connectors having at least one flexing element are provided. A ferrule or an alignment frame may include a body and first and second flexible arms, and a connector may include the ferrule or the alignment frame. A ferrule may have a first flexible arm that has a first fixed end attached to a first side of the body of the ferrule and an opposite first free end, and may have a second flexible arm having a second fixed end attached to a second side of the body, opposite the first side, and an opposite second free end. When the ferrule is mated with a mating ferrule, the first and second flexible arms are flexed away from the respective first and second sides of the body, and the first and second free ends contact the mating ferrule.