Magnetic intelligent fiber connector

Abstract

The application discloses a magnetic intelligent optical fiber connector and a control method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of optical fiber communication. The connector comprises a main control unit, an optical fiber and a shell. The optical fiber is provided with a plug core and a sleeve. The plug core and the sleeve are both mounted on the shell, and a controllable magnetic attraction assembly for controlling the position of the plug core is arranged between the plug core and the shell. The controllable magnetic attraction assembly is located between the plug core and the sleeve and is electrically connected with the main control unit. A micro light power detection unit is further connected to the main control unit. The main control unit dynamically adjusts the current size and direction through the micro light power detection unit and the controllable magnetic attraction assembly to change the total attraction force of the controllable magnetic attraction assembly, so that automatic radial centering and axial self-adaptive locking are realized. The application cancels the traditional spring and relies on composite magnetic attraction to realize automatic blind insertion alignment, anti-vibration and anti-looseness, double closed loop self-adaptive low insertion loss maintenance, no mechanical wear and long service life, and is suitable for vibration scenes such as vehicle-mounted, industrial and data center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber communication connector technology, and in particular to a magnetic smart optical fiber connector. Background Technology

[0002] Existing fiber optic connectors (such as SC, LC, and FC types) typically use built-in mechanical springs as elastic elements to achieve axial preload and buffering during ferrule mating. However, this approach has several inherent drawbacks with long-term use. 1. The insertion process relies on precise manual alignment, which is cumbersome. The final alignment accuracy is entirely affected by the operator's assembly technique, resulting in poor consistency. 2. After thousands of insertions and removals, the internal springs are prone to fatigue and wear, which directly causes loose fiber end face bonding, continuous fluctuations in insertion loss, and decreased communication stability. 3. Pure mechanical spring structures have weak vibration and bump resistance. Under continuous vibration conditions in vehicles and industries, the connectors are prone to loosening and momentary light loss, which cannot meet the stringent industrial and vehicle communication requirements. 4. The lack of anti-misalignment and anti-collision protection mechanisms makes it easy for reverse or incorrect insertion to occur, causing scratches and damage to the end face of the ferrule and significantly shortening the service life of the connector.

[0003] Existing technologies lack fiber optic connector solutions that can achieve automatic blind mating alignment, long-term pre-tightening without springs, and adaptive magnetic force adjustment under vibration conditions. These solutions cannot simultaneously address multiple technical pain points such as insertion loss fluctuations, poor vibration resistance, and easy damage to the end face during insertion and removal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings in the aforementioned background technology, this invention proposes a magnetic smart fiber optic connector, which solves the problem of poor vibration and shock resistance in existing technologies that use built-in mechanical springs as elastic elements.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows: A magnetic intelligent fiber optic connector includes a plug and a socket, each containing a main control unit. The plug and socket each contain an optical fiber and a housing. The optical fiber is covered with a ferrule and a sleeve. The left end of the sleeve and the ferrule are both located inside the housing. A controllable magnetic attraction component for controlling the ferrule's position is provided between the ferrule and the housing. The controllable magnetic attraction component is located between the ferrule and the sleeve and is electrically connected to the main control unit. A miniature optical power detection unit is also connected to the main control unit. The main control unit uses data collected by the miniature optical power detection unit in conjunction with the controllable magnetic attraction component to dynamically adjust the magnitude and direction of the electromagnet's current, thereby changing the total attraction force of the controllable magnetic attraction component and achieving automatic radial alignment and axial adaptive locking when the socket and plug are connected.

[0006] More preferably, the controllable magnetic attraction component includes a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a Hall sensor. The permanent magnet and the electromagnet are stacked along the axial direction. The main control unit is electrically connected to the Hall sensor and the electromagnet, respectively. The main control unit adjusts the output current of the electromagnet according to the magnetic field signal collected by the Hall sensor.

[0007] In a further preferred embodiment, the Hall sensor is disposed in the sensing slot opened in the housing. The Hall sensor detects the magnetic field signal in real time and outputs a Hall voltage signal to the main control unit. The main control unit adjusts the output current of the electromagnet based on the Hall voltage signal in a closed loop.

[0008] More preferably, the permanent magnet, electromagnet, and Hall sensor are integrated on a single molded housing. The permanent magnet provides the basic magnetic force, and the main control unit adjusts the total attraction force of the controllable magnetic attraction component by changing the magnitude and / or direction of the current of the electromagnet to superimpose / cancel the basic magnetic force of the permanent magnet.

[0009] More preferably, the electromagnet has a ring structure and is arranged around the outside of the insert.

[0010] More preferably, the sleeve has a through hole that mates with the electrical circuit. An insulating partition is provided within the through hole, dividing the through hole into a power supply circuit cavity and a signal circuit cavity.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the miniature optical power detection unit collects the optical power transmitted through the optical fiber and calculates the optical loss generated by the optical fiber connection between the plug and the socket. The main control unit receives the optical loss data output by the miniature optical power detection unit and dynamically adjusts the output current of the electromagnet according to the optical loss value.

[0012] More preferably, the miniature optical power detection unit acquires the reference optical power Pin at the transmitting end and the transmitted optical power Pout at the receiving end, and calculates the fiber insertion loss IL = 10 × log 10 (Pin / Pout); The main control unit presets a 0.3dB insertion loss threshold. When the insertion loss IL > 0.3dB, the main control unit gradually increases the electromagnet current to enhance the end face clamping force. After the insertion loss drops back and stabilizes at ≤ 0.3dB, the main control unit latches the magnetic force to maintain a low-loss connection.

[0013] A control method for a magnetic smart fiber optic connector, applied to the mating of plugs and sockets, includes the following steps: S1 docking initialization: The plug and socket are brought close to each other, and the basic magnetic field of the permanent magnet in the plug and socket enters the sensing range of the Hall sensor. The Hall sensor collects the magnetic field strength signal in real time and transmits it to the main control unit. The miniature optical power detection unit simultaneously collects the reference optical power Pin of the transmitting end and the transmitted optical power Pout of the receiving end. The main control unit calculates the fiber insertion loss and completes the optical path baseline initialization. S2 phased magnetic timing control: The main control unit distinguishes the working stages based on the magnetic field signal fed back by the Hall sensor. During the blind insertion stage, the main control unit outputs a small positive current to achieve weak magnetic guidance. After the plug and socket are fully connected and locked, the main control unit outputs a large positive current to superimpose the magnetic force of the permanent magnet to achieve end face pressing. When the main control unit receives the plugging and unplugging command, it outputs a reverse current to cancel the basic magnetic force of the permanent magnet and complete the unlocking. S3 Optical Loss Dual Closed-Loop Adaptive Compensation: The main control unit uses a 5th-order moving average filter to process the insertion loss sampling data, with 0.3dB as the judgment threshold; the main control unit performs graded current compensation according to the degree of insertion loss exceeding the standard. When the insertion loss falls back and remains stable for more than 200ms, the main control unit latches the magnetic force; after the optical path is stable for a long time, the main control unit gradually lowers the electromagnet current back to the low power consumption baseline. S4 Real-time Safety Protection and Reset: The main control unit continuously monitors the electromagnet current and operating temperature. When overcurrent or overtemperature conditions are triggered, the main control unit adjusts the electromagnet current to reduce the magnetic output. If the insertion loss still exceeds the standard after full current compensation, the main control unit determines that there is a terminal face fault and stops the voltage boost. When the connector is disconnected, the main control unit immediately clears the electromagnet current and completes the whole machine reset, waiting for the next docking.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention eliminates the traditional mechanical spring structure and adopts a composite magnetic pre-tightening mechanism consisting of a permanent magnet and a ring electromagnet. The permanent magnet provides a constant, non-attenuating basic magnetic force for bonding, eliminating the insertion loss fluctuation problem caused by spring fatigue and wear. The ring electromagnet can simultaneously output axial clamping force and radial centering reset force, and with the magnetic closed-loop control of the Hall sensor, it achieves three-stage adaptive magnetic force control: weak magnetic anti-impact during blind insertion, strong magnetic anti-vibration during operation, and reverse demagnetization for easy separation during insertion and removal. This not only supports precise blind insertion operation and significantly reduces the risk of impact on the ferrule end face, but the gapless magnetic bonding structure can also prevent optical path interruption under continuous vibration and impact conditions in vehicles and industries. At the same time, the magnetic structure has no mechanical friction loss, and the theoretical insertion and removal life has no upper limit. The hollow sleeve separates the independent power supply and signal cavity through insulation, achieving electromagnetic isolation of the electrical circuit and effectively avoiding wiring crosstalk. The overall number of parts is reduced, the assembly difficulty is lowered, and it is suitable for the miniaturized integration requirements of high-density fiber optic connectors.

[0015] This invention employs a dual-loop adaptive control system for magnetic force and optical loss, calculating fiber insertion loss in real time. Using 0.3dB as the threshold, it incorporates a 5th-order moving average filter and graded stepped current compensation logic. This system dynamically and automatically adjusts the clamping magnetic force based on optical path loss, providing real-time compensation to maintain a low-loss optical path when vibration causes micro-gap. The main control unit integrates multiple protection mechanisms for overcurrent, overtemperature, and end-face faults. It automatically reduces the magnetic force when current or temperature is abnormal, and stops boosting voltage if full-power compensation fails to improve insertion loss, preventing damage to the ceramic end face. After long-term optical path stability, the electromagnet current gradually decreases to the permanent magnet baseline for low-power operation, reducing coil heating and device aging. Automatic current reset upon connector disconnection significantly improves overall communication stability, equipment reliability, and durability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the axial cross-sectional structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the magnetic circuit control principle of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the optical loop control principle of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a control principle diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-ferrule, 2-optical fiber, 3-outer shell, 4-sleeve, 41-through hole, 42-insulating partition, 5-controllable magnetic attraction assembly, 51-permanent magnet, 52-electromagnet, 53-Hall sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in Embodiment 1, a magnetic intelligent fiber optic connector includes a main control unit, a ferrule 1, a housing 3, a sleeve 4, a controllable magnetic attraction component 5, and a miniature optical power detection unit. The connector includes a plug and a socket. The main control unit is installed inside both the plug and the socket. An optical fiber 2 and a housing 3 are also installed inside the plug and the socket, respectively. The ferrule 1 and the sleeve 4 are fitted over the optical fiber 2. The left end of the sleeve 4 and the ferrule 1 are both located inside the housing 3. A controllable magnetic attraction component 5 is provided between the ferrule 1 and the housing 3 to control the position of the ferrule 1. The controllable magnetic attraction component 5 is arranged between the ferrule 1 and the sleeve 4 and is electrically connected to the main control unit to adjust and control the mating position and clamping force of the ferrule 1. The miniature optical power detection unit is electrically connected to the main control unit. The main control unit, combining the optical loss data collected by the miniature optical power detection unit and the magnetic field feedback signal of the controllable magnetic attraction component 5, dynamically adjusts the magnitude and direction of the output current of the electromagnet 52, changing the overall attraction force of the controllable magnetic attraction component 5, thereby achieving automatic radial alignment when the socket and plug are mated and axial adaptive flexible locking under vibration conditions.

[0021] In this embodiment, the controllable magnetic attraction component 5 is composed of a permanent magnet 51, an electromagnet 52, and a Hall sensor 53. The permanent magnet 51 and the electromagnet 52 are stacked along the axial direction of the optical fiber 2. The main control unit is electrically connected to the Hall sensor 53 and the electromagnet 52 respectively. The main control unit adjusts the output current of the electromagnet 52 in a closed loop based on the magnetic field strength signal collected in real time by the Hall sensor 53. The outer shell 3 has a dedicated sensing slot, and the Hall sensor 53 is embedded in the sensing slot. It collects the surrounding magnetic field strength in real time and outputs a Hall voltage signal to the main control unit. The main control unit continuously adjusts the output drive current of the electromagnet 52 in a closed loop based on the Hall voltage value.

[0022] In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 51, electromagnet 52, and Hall sensor 53 are integrally encapsulated on an independent mounting base using high-temperature epoxy colloid. The permanent magnet 51 provides a constant basic magnetic force for adhesion. The main control unit changes the output current magnitude and / or current direction of the electromagnet 52 to superimpose and cancel the basic magnetic force of the permanent magnet 51, thereby achieving continuous adjustment of the total attraction force of the controllable magnetic attraction assembly 5. The electromagnet 52 adopts a ring structure and is arranged around the outside of the ferrule 1. The ring electromagnet 52 generates a uniform ring magnetic field, which can simultaneously output axial end face clamping force and radial fiber core resetting and centering force, thus reducing the insertion loss of the optical fiber 2.

[0023] In this embodiment, the sleeve 4 has a through hole 41 for laying electrical circuits, and an insulating partition 42 is provided inside the through hole 41. The insulating partition 42 divides the inner cavity of the through hole 41 into an independent power supply circuit cavity 43 and a signal circuit cavity 44. The power lines and signal lines are arranged in separate cavities to achieve electromagnetic isolation between the power supply lines and the signal lines and eliminate wiring crosstalk.

[0024] In this embodiment, Pin is the transmittance reference optical power, Pout is the receive transmission optical power, and IL is the fiber insertion loss. The miniature optical power detection unit collects the transmittance reference optical power Pin and the receive transmission optical power Pout, respectively. The main control unit calculates the power according to the formula IL = 10 × log 10 (Pin / Pout) Real-time calculation of insertion loss generated by the connection of optical fiber 2 in the plug and socket; the main control unit has a preset insertion loss judgment threshold of 0.3dB. When the real-time insertion loss IL > 0.3dB, the main control unit increases the output current of electromagnet 52 step by step to enhance the clamping force of the end face of ferrule 1; when the insertion loss drops and remains stable at ≤ 0.3dB, the main control unit latches the current magnetic force to maintain a low-loss and stable optical path connection.

[0025] Furthermore, the main control unit incorporates a complete set of protection logic and filtering algorithms: it is configured with a 5th-order moving average filter, using the average of five consecutive 10ms samples as the effective insertion loss value to filter out instantaneous noise spikes caused by vibration; it sets a graded stepped current compensation strategy, adjusting the output current of electromagnet 52 differently according to the magnitude of insertion loss exceeding the limit; it integrates overcurrent protection, over-temperature protection, and end-face fault judgment protection; after the connector is completely separated, the main control unit automatically clears the output current of electromagnet 52 to complete the overall reset. This connector eliminates the traditional mechanical spring, relying on the composite magnetic circuit of permanent magnet 51 and electromagnet 52 to replace the elastic preload of the spring; it is equipped with a tail sleeve and a removable sealing ring. The tail sleeve connects to the tail of the outer shell 3 to protect the tail end of the optical fiber 2, and the sealing ring can be detachably covered to cover the mating end face of the ferrule 1, achieving dustproof and waterproof protection.

[0026] In practical use, the magnetic smart fiber optic connector is assembled into a vehicle-mounted high-speed optical communication module. During vehicle operation, continuous bumps and vibrations can cause traditional spring connectors to experience slight loosening of the ferrule, fluctuations in insertion loss, and momentary light loss. This invention uses a Hall sensor 53 to monitor magnetic field fluctuations in real time, and the main control unit dynamically adjusts the output current of the electromagnet 52 to maintain a tight fit between the end faces. When vibration causes insertion loss to briefly exceed 0.3dB, the main control unit automatically increases magnetic compensation in stages. After the vibration weakens and the optical path stabilizes, the main control unit automatically reduces the output current of the electromagnet 52 back to a low-power baseline state, ensuring no optical path interruption throughout the process and meeting the stringent vibration requirements of vehicle use.

[0027] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in Example 2, a control method applicable to the above-mentioned magnetic smart fiber optic connector is used for adaptive control of the entire plug and socket mating process, comprising the following steps: S1 docking initialization: The two sets of magnetic smart fiber optic connectors, the plug and the socket, are brought close to each other. The basic magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 51 in the plug and the socket enters the sensing range of the Hall sensor 53. The Hall sensor 53 continuously collects the real-time magnetic field strength signal and transmits it to the main control unit. Simultaneously, the miniature optical power detection unit is started to collect the reference optical power Pin at the transmitting end and the transmitted optical power Pout at the receiving end. The main control unit calculates the insertion loss of fiber 2 and completes the initialization of the optical path baseline of the whole machine.

[0028] S2 phased magnetic timing control: The main control unit distinguishes three working stages based on the magnetic field strength fed back by Hall sensor 53, and outputs differentiated output current in segments: During the blind insertion approach stage, the main control unit outputs a small positive current to form a weak magnetic guide, avoiding strong magnetic attraction and collision damage to the end face of the plug 1; After the plug and socket are fully connected and locked, the main control unit outputs a large positive current, and the magnetic field of permanent magnet 51 and the magnetic field of electromagnet 52 are superimposed to form the maximum clamping force, realizing anti-vibration and anti-loosening; When the main control unit receives the plug-in unlocking command, it outputs a reverse current, and the reverse magnetic field cancels out most of the basic magnetic force of permanent magnet 51, greatly reducing the attraction force and realizing easy plugging and unplugging with one hand.

[0029] S3 Optical Loss Dual-Loop Adaptive Compensation: The main control unit uses a 5th-order moving average filtering algorithm to process insertion loss sampling data, with a sampling period of 10ms, and uses 0.3dB as the optical path qualification threshold; according to the insertion loss exceeding the standard range, it performs graded current compensation: 0.3dB < IL ≤ 0.6dB slightly increases the output current of electromagnet 52, 0.6dB < IL ≤ 1.0dB moderately increases the output current of electromagnet 52, and IL > 1.0dB outputs the rated maximum compensation output current; after each level of current adjustment, it maintains a steady-state observation for 200ms; if the insertion loss is continuously stable for more than 200ms and ≤ 0.3dB, the main control unit latches the current magnetic force; after the optical path is stable for a long time, the main control unit gradually reduces the output current of electromagnet 52 back to the low power consumption baseline to reduce the heat generated by electromagnet 52 during long-term power-on.

[0030] S4 Real-time Safety Protection and Reset: The main control unit continuously collects the output current of electromagnet 52 and the overall operating temperature. When overcurrent or overtemperature protection conditions are triggered, the main control unit actively reduces the output current of electromagnet 52 to reduce magnetic force output. If the insertion loss is still greater than 0.3dB after the electromagnet 52 outputs the fully compensated output current, the main control unit determines that the end face of the ferrule 1 is dirty, scratched, or misaligned, and stops further pressurization to avoid forcibly squeezing and damaging the ceramic end face. When the plug and socket connectors are completely separated, the main control unit immediately clears all output current of electromagnet 52, resets the overall parameters, and waits for the next docking adaptive calibration.

[0031] like Figures 1-4 As shown in Embodiment 3, a magnetic fiber optic connector includes: Filament: Used to fix optical fibers, one end of which has an optical fiber end face for mating.

[0032] Housing: Used to house and protect the ferrule.

[0033] A controllable magnetic attraction assembly, consisting of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet stacked axially, is positioned between the insert and the housing to provide axial preload and radial attraction. The controllable magnetic attraction assembly includes a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a Hall sensor, and is integrally potted with high-temperature epoxy resin, ensuring no relative sliding between the magnetic assembly and the insert.

[0034] Hollow sleeve: Internally integrates power supply circuit, signal circuit and optical fiber channel, and is equipped with electromagnetic isolation structure.

[0035] Tail sleeve: Attached to the other end of the housing, used to protect the fiber optic tail.

[0036] Sealing ring: Removably covers the fiber end face of the ferrule for dust and water protection.

[0037] Main control unit: The electromagnet current is adjusted according to the Hall signal to achieve weak magnetic guidance, strong magnetic locking, demagnetization and plug-in control.

[0038] Based on the insertion loss signal fed back by the optical power detection unit, the magnetic force is adaptively adjusted to maintain a low-loss connection.

[0039] When the two connectors are mated, the magnetic components on the two ferrules attract each other, causing the two fiber end faces to fit tightly together and automatically correcting radial misalignment for high-precision alignment. If vibrations occur during vehicle operation, the Hall sensor adjusts the current to achieve adaptive flexible locking throughout the entire process. The outer shell, magnetic structure, and sleeve structure are significantly different from traditional fiber optic connectors.

[0040] The pure permanent magnet attraction force is fixed; to achieve adjustable magnetic force, it must be used in conjunction with a miniature electromagnet. The permanent magnet and electromagnet are axially stacked around the fiber optic loop. The permanent magnet provides the basic attraction force, and the electromagnet adds / cancels the magnetic field, resulting in a controllable total magnetic force. A Hall sensor is integrated into the casing through a slot. The Hall sensor detects the magnetic field strength. When the plug approaches the socket, the permanent magnet's magnetic field enters the Hall's sensing range, and the magnetic field strength gradually increases. The main control chip reads the Hall voltage / level in real time. During the blind insertion phase, a weak magnetic force guides the connection, slightly adding a magnetic field, resulting in a relatively small overall magnetic force: easy alignment without sudden impact or damage to the ferrule. During the locking phase, a strong magnetic force presses firmly, increasing the electromagnet's forward current. The combined magnetic field of the permanent magnet and electromagnet maximizes the attraction force, ensuring a tight fit, vibration resistance, no gaps, and stable insertion. When unlocking is required, the electromagnet flows a reverse current, generating a reverse magnetic field that cancels out most of the permanent magnet attraction force, significantly reducing the overall attraction force. It can be easily pulled out with one hand without forcing it open, preventing damage to the ceramic ferrule. Permanent magnet ring: provides a basic constant attractive force F1; Electromagnetic ring: generates an auxiliary attractive force F2 or a counteracting force F2' by changing the magnitude / direction of the current; Total magnetic force F = F1 ± F2. Hall sensor detects magnetic field strength in real time → feeds back to the main controller → closed-loop adjustment of current → achieves continuous and precise control of total magnetic force.

[0041] A miniature optical power detection unit is integrated into the fiber optic connector to detect the actual insertion loss in real time after mating. The main control chip simultaneously acquires the magnetic feedback signal from the Hall sensor and the optical signal quality feedback signal from the optical power detection unit, thus constructing a dual closed-loop control system.

[0042] When the optical power detection shows that the insertion loss exceeds the standard (exceeding the preset threshold, such as >0.3dB for single-mode fiber), the connection quality is determined to be substandard, and an alarm is automatically triggered or micro-realignment is achieved by adjusting the magnetic force.

[0043] In a vibrating environment, optical power detection can monitor the fluctuations in the end-face bonding state in real time and dynamically fine-tune the electromagnet current to maintain the optimal loss level.

[0044] Magnetic intelligent fiber optic connectors also require corresponding electrical circuits, which are arranged within a hollow sleeve. The hollow sleeve also incorporates partitions to prevent interference between signal and power lines. The hollow sleeve also protects the optical fiber. This device, employing a dual closed-loop control system of magnetic closed loop + optical closed loop, also offers the following advantages: Permanent and constant preload: The preload provided by the magnetic structure does not decay over time, ensuring long-term stability and low loss of the connection.

[0045] Excellent vibration resistance: The magnetic connection is seamless and loose, maintaining a reliable connection even under strong vibration and impact, avoiding the slippage and breakage problems of traditional spring structures.

[0046] Simplified structure and easy integration: The elimination of complex springs and limiting structures reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly, which is conducive to the miniaturization and high-density integration of connectors (such as MPO connectors).

[0047] Supports blind mating and is easy to operate: no precise alignment is required when mating. As long as the two connectors are close to each other, the magnetic structure will automatically attract and align them, enabling easy blind mating and greatly improving the user experience.

[0048] Ultra-long service life: The magnetic structure has no mechanical wear and theoretically has an unlimited number of insertion and removal cycles, which is far longer than that of traditional spring connectors.

[0049] Hollow sleeve integrated electrical circuit, structural integration innovation, solves the problems of electromagnetic interference and wiring, power lines and signal lines are arranged in separate chambers to prevent interference.

[0050] Adaptive magnetic force control method: Blind insertion stage: small current, weak magnetic field to prevent impact; Working stage: large current, strong magnetic field to prevent loosening and vibration; Insertion and removal stage: reverse current, demagnetization for easy removal.

[0051] Automatic magnetic force compensation method based on insertion loss: Insertion loss > 0.3dB → Automatically increase electromagnet current → Enhance end face clamping force.

[0052] Specifically, the fiber optic insertion loss real-time detection module of this device differs from electrical connector voltage detection by using optical power differential detection to accurately calculate optical insertion loss.

[0053] Detection principle: A reference optical power Pin is coupled at the transmitting end, and the transmitted optical power Pout is detected in real time at the receiving end. The insertion loss IL = 10 × log 10 (Pin / Pout). Hardware including but not limited to: Built-in optical structure: mounted at the tail of the connector insert.

[0054] Miniature thin-film beam splitter: integrated at the rear end of the ceramic ferrule.

[0055] This solution integrates a miniature thin-film beam splitter or wedge-shaped beam splitter at the rear end of the connector's ceramic ferrule. The incident service light is split into two paths by the beam splitter: one path, with 98% of the main transmitted light, is transmitted normally along the fiber axis, while the other path, with 2% of the reflected light, is coupled to the built-in optical power detection unit. This takes into account both the sampling signal-to-noise ratio and the main link insertion loss, and introduces an additional loss of ≤0.1dB.

[0056] The miniature optical power detection unit (within a custom-widened connector housing) consists entirely of bare-chip hardware bonded to a miniature package and tucked into the connector housing. Photoelectric conversion: Miniature patch PD photodiodes receive the sampled light and convert it into a weak photocurrent.

[0057] Signal conditioning: Transimpedance amplifier (TIA) + low-pass filter circuit to suppress temperature drift and high-frequency noise.

[0058] ADC analog-to-digital acquisition: A high-precision 16-bit miniature ADC converts analog photocurrent into digital power values.

[0059] The MCU microprocessor unit obtains the incident reference light power Pin through initial calibration and conversion, calculates Pout through real-time sampling with a fixed splitting ratio and PD, and calculates the insertion loss IL in real time.

[0060] Key metrics: Insertion loss detection accuracy: ±0.02dB, which can accurately determine the 0.3dB threshold critical point.

[0061] Sampling frequency: 10ms / time, which meets the requirements for dynamic vibration monitoring.

[0062] The adjustable magnetic attraction structure adopts a dual magnetic circuit structure of fixed permanent magnet + adjustable electromagnet to ensure baseline stability and dynamic compensation.

[0063] The base permanent magnet operates under normal conditions, while the electromagnet operates at low power to avoid overheating and end-face wear due to prolonged power-on. It provides the base magnetic force to ensure insertion loss ≤0.3dB at room temperature static conditions, serving as the baseline operating point.

[0064] A ring-shaped adjustable electromagnet, arranged around the outer ring of the fiber optic ferrule, ensures that it does not obstruct the optical path or affect fiber core alignment. The drive current is adjusted via PWM duty cycle to achieve a linear and continuous enhancement of the magnetic force: increased PWM duty cycle → increased average coil current → linearly increased adsorption and clamping force → improved end-face contact stiffness. The uniform ring-shaped magnetic field simultaneously provides axial clamping force and radial alignment reset force, effectively clamping the end face and correcting for slight fiber core misalignment, thus reducing insertion loss in two dimensions.

[0065] The main control unit is the main control MCU control unit, responsible for threshold judgment, current regulation, closed-loop control, anti-jitter filtering, and protection logic. Built-in core parameters include: 0.3dB trigger threshold, current compensation step size, steady-state latch time, and temperature correction coefficient.

[0066] Real-time insertion loss IL≤0.3dB → good fit is determined, maintain the current low current / baseline state.

[0067] Real-time insertion loss IL > 0.3dB → triggers magnetic compensation mechanism, gradually increases electromagnet current, and enhances end face clamping force.

[0068] Sampling and Filtering Logic (Preventing False Triggers): Since there is instantaneous noise in the fiber optic path, adjustment cannot be made based on a single sample. A 5th-order moving average filter is used; the average of 5 consecutive samples is used as the effective insertion loss value to filter out instantaneous vibration spikes, optical noise interference, and prevent frequent magnetic fluctuations. Sampling period: 10ms, Decision period: 50ms.

[0069] Furthermore, to avoid end-face impact and fiber core misalignment oscillation caused by sudden current surges, a stepped linear incremental compensation strategy is adopted, employing a graded current compensation strategy (refined and without sudden changes): 1. Slight overshoot (0.3dB~0.6dB): Slightly increase the current and apply low-pressure clamping to eliminate micro-gap and slight misalignment.

[0070] 2. Moderate over-limit (0.6dB~1.0dB): Increase the current by a moderate amount to solve the loss caused by vibration, loosening, and slight uncleanliness of the end face.

[0071] 3. Severe exceedance (>1.0dB): Fully apply rated compensation current to maximize clamping and alignment, and salvage the poor working conditions.

[0072] After each adjustment, maintain steady-state observation for 200ms. Once the insertion loss is confirmed to have decreased, stop adding current to prevent overcompensation.

[0073] Closed-loop fallback logic: After compensation, when the insertion loss is ≤0.3dB for 200ms, the optical path is determined to be stable: the current is no longer increased; the current magnetic state is locked and the steady state is maintained; if it is stable for a long time, it slowly falls back to the baseline low power consumption state to protect the life of the end face ceramic.

[0074] Steady-state latching mechanism: After the optical path stabilizes, the system latches the parameters and avoids repeated fine-tuning, thus solving the vicious cycle of magnetic jitter → end-face micro-friction → insertion loss secondary fluctuation.

[0075] Overcurrent protection: The electromagnet current is set with a hardware upper limit to prevent excessive current from crushing the fiber end face and causing physical damage.

[0076] Over-temperature protection: Exceeding the temperature limit directly reduces the magnetic force, preventing high-temperature magnetic decay and aging of the end face adhesive layer.

[0077] Fault detection and protection: If the insertion loss continues to be >0.3dB after full current compensation, it is determined that the end face is dirty, scratched, or the structure is misaligned. The voltage boosting is stopped to avoid forcibly damaging the end face.

[0078] Automatic reset upon disconnection: After the fiber optic connector is disconnected, the electromagnet current is cleared to zero, and the next connection will be recalibrated automatically.

[0079] The complete working sequence is as follows: a) Plugs and sockets magnetically connect optical fibers, permanent magnet baselines are aligned, and the system initializes the optical power baseline; b) The miniature optical power detection unit samples the optical power in real time, and the main control unit calculates the optical insertion loss; c) After the filter stabilizes, if the insertion loss is ≤0.3dB, the main control unit maintains the electromagnet in a low output current and low power consumption state. d) Insertion loss > 0.3dB → The main control unit gradually increases the output current of the electromagnet → Enhances end face clamping + centering force; e) Insertion loss drops to ≤0.3dB and stabilizes → main control unit latches magnetic force and operates in steady state; f) Abnormal operating conditions trigger protection, fault judgment, current limiting, whole machine reset, closed loop throughout the process.

[0080] The vibration-resistant and anti-loosening adaptive flexible locking mechanism is as follows: under vibration conditions, the Hall sensor detects magnetic fluctuations in real time → the main control unit fine-tunes the output current of the electromagnet in real time → to maintain a gapless fit between the end faces.

[0081] This invention completely eliminates the traditional spring and replaces the elastic preload with the magnetic attraction force generated by the output current of the electromagnet adjusted by the main control unit.

[0082] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic smart fiber optic connector, comprising a plug and a socket, wherein both the plug and the socket are equipped with a main control unit, characterized in that, Both the plug and the socket are equipped with an optical fiber (2) and a shell (3). The optical fiber (2) is covered with a ferrule (1) and a sleeve (4). The left end of the sleeve (4) and the ferrule (1) are both located inside the shell (3). A controllable magnetic attraction component (5) for controlling the position of the ferrule (1) is provided between the ferrule (1) and the shell (3). The controllable magnetic attraction component (5) is located between the ferrule (1) and the sleeve (4) and is electrically connected to the main control unit. A miniature optical power detection unit is also connected to the main control unit. The main control unit uses the data collected by the miniature optical power detection unit to cooperate with the controllable magnetic attraction component (5) to dynamically adjust the magnitude and direction of the output current of the electromagnet, thereby changing the total attraction force of the controllable magnetic attraction component (5) and realizing automatic radial centering and axial adaptive locking when the socket and the plug are connected.

2. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controllable magnetic attraction component (5) includes a permanent magnet (51), an electromagnet (52) and a Hall sensor (53). The permanent magnet (51) and the electromagnet (52) are stacked along the axial direction. The main control unit is electrically connected to the Hall sensor (53) and the electromagnet (52) respectively. The main control unit adjusts the output current of the electromagnet (52) according to the magnetic field signal collected by the Hall sensor (53).

3. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The Hall sensor (53) is installed in the sensing slot opened in the housing (3). The Hall sensor (53) detects the magnetic field signal in real time and outputs the Hall voltage signal to the main control unit. The main control unit adjusts the output current of the electromagnet (52) in a closed loop based on the Hall voltage signal.

4. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The permanent magnet (51), electromagnet (52) and Hall sensor (53) are integrated on the housing (3). The permanent magnet (51) provides the basic magnetic force. The main control unit adjusts the total attraction force of the controllable magnetic attraction component (5) by changing the magnitude and / or direction of the current of the electromagnet (52) to superimpose / cancel the basic magnetic force of the permanent magnet (51).

5. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The electromagnet (52) has a ring structure and is arranged around the outside of the insert (1).

6. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sleeve (4) is provided with a through hole (41) that cooperates with the electrical circuit.

7. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, An insulating partition (42) is provided inside the through hole (41), which separates the through hole (41) into a power supply circuit cavity and a signal circuit cavity.

8. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 6, and 7, characterized in that, The miniature optical power detection unit collects the optical power transmitted by the optical fiber (2) and calculates the optical loss generated by the connection of the optical fiber (2) in the plug and socket. The main control unit receives the optical loss data output by the miniature optical power detection unit and dynamically adjusts the output current of the electromagnet (52) according to the optical loss value.

9. The magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The miniature optical power detection unit collects the reference optical power Pin at the transmitter and the transmitted optical power Pout at the receiver, and calculates the fiber insertion loss IL = 10 × log 10 (Pin / Pout); The main control unit presets a 0.3dB insertion loss threshold. When the insertion loss IL > 0.3dB, the main control unit gradually increases the current of the electromagnet (52) to enhance the end face clamping force. After the insertion loss drops back and stabilizes at ≤ 0.3dB, the main control unit latches the magnetic force to maintain a low-loss connection.

10. A control method for a magnetic smart fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The mating process for plugs and sockets includes the following steps: S1 docking initialization: The plug and socket are brought close to each other, and the basic magnetic field of the permanent magnet (51) in the plug and socket enters the sensing range of the Hall sensor (53). The Hall sensor (53) collects the magnetic field strength signal in real time and transmits it to the main control unit. The miniature optical power detection unit collects the reference optical power Pin of the transmitting end and the transmitted optical power Pout of the receiving end. The main control unit calculates the fiber insertion loss and completes the optical path baseline initialization. S2 phased magnetic timing control: The main control unit distinguishes the working stages based on the magnetic field signal fed back by the Hall sensor (53). During the blind insertion stage, the main control unit outputs a small positive current to achieve weak magnetic guidance. After the plug and socket are fully connected and locked, the main control unit outputs a large positive current to superimpose the magnetic force of the permanent magnet (51) to achieve end face pressing. When the main control unit receives the plugging and unplugging command, it outputs a reverse current to cancel the basic magnetic force of the permanent magnet (51) to complete the unlocking. S3 Optical Loss Dual Closed-Loop Adaptive Compensation: The main control unit uses a 5th-order moving average filter to process the insertion loss sampling data, with 0.3dB as the judgment threshold; the main control unit performs graded current compensation according to the degree of insertion loss exceeding the standard. When the insertion loss falls back and remains stable for more than 200ms, the main control unit latches the magnetic force; after the optical path is stable for a long time, the main control unit gradually lowers the output current of the electromagnet back to the low power consumption baseline. S4 Real-time Safety Protection and Reset: The main control unit continuously monitors the output current and operating temperature of the electromagnet (52). When overcurrent or overtemperature conditions are triggered, the main control unit adjusts the output current of the electromagnet (52) to reduce the magnetic output. If the insertion loss still exceeds the standard after full current compensation, the main control unit determines that the end face is faulty and stops the voltage boosting. When the connector is disconnected, the main control unit immediately clears the output current of the electromagnet (52), and the main control unit completes the whole machine reset and waits for the next docking.

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