Multi-fiber ferrule-less duplex fiber optic connectors with multi-fiber alignment devices

An alignment system comprising:

• a first housing piece without v-grooves;
• a second housing piece adapted to mate with the first housing piece via a snap-fit connection such that the first housing piece is positioned as a top cover over the second housing piece;
• a groove-type alignment structure defined in the second housing piece;
• and
• a plate including a main body and a plurality of elastic members separated into independent elastic members by slots defined in the main body, wherein the plurality of elastic members cooperate with the groove-type alignment structure, the plate being positioned between the first and second housing pieces;
• wherein the plurality of elastic members include base ends monolithically connected with the main body, the plurality of elastic members extending from opposite ends of the main body such that free ends of the plurality of elastic members are opposing one another;
• wherein the free ends of the plurality of elastic members each include a tab portion that projects from the main body of the plate closer to the groove-type alignment structure;
• and
• wherein the free ends of the plurality of elastic members include extensions that extend upwardly from opposite sides of the tab portions in a direction toward the first housing piece.