Dual function splice component for mechanical splice connector

Abstract

A fiber optic mechanical splice connector including a single connector element operable for providing optical fiber alignment and strain relief includes opposed splice components that define first and second grooves for receiving the bare glass portions of mating optical fibers, as well as the coated or buffered portion of at least one of the optical fibers when the splice components are biased together by an actuator. The mating optical fibers are aligned while the coated or buffered portion of one of the optical fibers is retained within the same connector element, thus eliminating positioning problems that occur when separate connector elements are utilized for fiber alignment and strain relief. The splice components may be unbiased to allow removal of at least one of the mating optical fibers without destroying the connector assembly or potentially damaging the optical fibers.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to a fiber optic connector having a single connector element for providing both optical fiber alignment and strain relief, and more specifically, to a mechanical splice connector including a splice component operable for aligning and retaining the stub optical fiber and the adjoining field optical fiber, as well as strain relieving the field optical fiber. [0003] 2. Technical Background [0004] A key objective contributing to the proper function of a fiber optic mechanical splice connector is the alignment of the mating optical fibers within the connector. Alignment is typically accomplished by applying a biasing force to a splice component to accurately align the stub optical fiber of the connector with the mating field optical fiber. Conventional mechanical splice connectors typically include a pair of opposed splice components, wherein at least one of the splice components d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a fiber optic mechanical splice connector that combines both optical fiber alignment and field fiber strain relief in a single element. This eliminates positioning effects caused by separate elements that move independently of each other during environmental changes. The connector includes splice components that have a first portion that aligns the bare glass portions of the optical fibers and a second portion that retains the coated portion of the field optical fiber. The splice components provide optimal alignment and can accommodate fibers of different diameters. The connector also includes a transition region to guide the bare glass fiber into the smaller alignment groove. The use of separate projections and different geometries and sizes of projections is also possible to compensate for different forces required for mechanical splicing and field fiber retention. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a more efficient and effective solution for aligning and strain relieving optical fibers in fiber optic connectors.

Problems solved by technology

A drawback to the conventional strain relief technique for mechanical splice connectors is that once the field optical fiber is strain relieved, the splice cannot be reversed and reworked without destroying the connector assembly and potentially damaging the field optical fiber.

A significant drawback to these other mechanical splice connectors is that optical fiber alignment and strain relief must be performed in more than one step and using more than one element of the connector, thus requiring additional materials, as well as additional time and labor cost to install the connector.

A further drawback to these conventional mechanical splice connectors is that once the optical fibers are strain relieved by applying a crimp, the splice cannot be reversed without destroying the connector assembly or potentially damaging the field optical fiber.

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