Adapter for Multi-Optical Fiber Connectors with Angled Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adapters are not suitable for interfacing multi-optical fiber (MOF) connectors with non-zero-degree angled optical pathways, such as the Prizm® connector, which are used in parallel optical communications systems, leading to optical losses due to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is designed to optically interface two MOF connectors with non-zero-degree angled optical pathways by featuring mounting surfaces with mating features and an optical window that aligns the optical facets of both connectors, allowing precise alignment and signal coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adapters are used to interface MOF connectors with non-zero-degree angled optical pathways, then the connectors can be physically connected, but optical losses occur due to misalignment of the optical pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body serves as an intermediary component that receives two MOF connectors with non-zero-degree angled optical pathways and provides the necessary mechanical alignment. The adapter includes mounting surfaces with mating features that physically interface with the connectors and an optical window that positions the optical facets in precise alignment, thereby mediating between the angled optical pathways and preventing optical losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with specific geometric parameters including mounting surfaces positioned at precise angles and distances to accommodate non-zero-degree angled optical pathways. The optical window is positioned at a specific distance from the mounting surfaces to ensure proper alignment of optical facets, changing the spatial parameters to achieve optimal optical alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If MOF connectors with non-zero-degree angled optical pathways are interfaced using conventional adapters, then physical connection is achieved, but precise optical alignment cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion with mounting surfaces for mechanical connection, and an optical window portion for optical alignment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the body for mechanical precision and the optical window for optical performance - thereby achieving high alignment precision without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to interface two MOF connectors with non-zero-degree angled optical pathways, providing both mechanical support and optical alignment functions in a single component. The mounting surfaces provide mechanical connection while the optical window simultaneously provides precise optical alignment, making the adapter multi-functional and reducing the need for additional alignment components.
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 adapter ensures precise optical alignment and efficient signal transfer between MOF connectors with non-zero-degree angled optical pathways, preventing optical losses and extending the length of optical links by connecting multiple cables end-to-end.
Implementation Method 1
an optical window (19) that passes through the first mounting surface... such that the first and second mounting surfaces are optically interconnected by the optical window
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter is provided for interfacing MOF connectors with one another where the MOF connectors have optical pathways that bend by a non-zero-degree angle (e.g., 90°±15°) in between the ends of the optical fibers held in the connectors and the output facets of the connectors. The adapter is configured to mate with two such connectors and to bring their optical pathways into precise optical alignment with one another.