Adaptive Microscope Axis Shifting for Multi-Row Fiber Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic connector inspection microscopes cannot shift their imaging axis to align with endfaces in multiple rows of a multi-fiber connector, limiting their ability to inspect all endfaces effectively, especially those in difficult-to-access locations.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive device that allows the microscope's imaging axis to be shifted in two mutually perpendicular directions using a combination of swinging levers and biasing mechanisms, enabling precise alignment with each endface across multiple rows of a fiber-optic connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the microscope scans from side to side within a single row, then individual endfaces can be inspected with sufficient magnification, but the microscope cannot inspect endfaces in multiple rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the microscope's positioning capability from one-dimensional (side-to-side scanning within a single row) to two-dimensional movement by adding a second swinging lever that enables row-to-row shifting. This dimensional expansion allows the imaging axis to align with endfaces across multiple rows while maintaining the existing single-row inspection functionality.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging axis moves along a circular track, then the adaptive device can shift the imaging axis, but it may not align with the center of some endfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two independently controllable swinging levers that can be dynamically adjusted to position the imaging axis precisely at the center of any endface. The first swinging lever handles side-to-side positioning within a row, while the second swinging lever handles row-to-row positioning, allowing dynamic adaptation to the specific geometry of multi-row connectors.
3Measurement precision
If the microscope inspects endfaces one or two at a time, then sufficient magnification is achieved, but inspection of all endfaces in multi-row connectors becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates biasing mechanisms in both swinging levers that automatically return the imaging axis to the center position after each inspection. This preliminary resetting action eliminates the need for manual repositioning between inspections, maintaining high magnification quality while significantly reducing the time required to inspect all endfaces in multi-row connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for shifting the imaging axis of a microscope for inspecting endfaces of a fiber-optic connector having multiple rows of endfaces has a supporting body for receiving a microscope; a first swinging lever mounted on top of the supporting body and rotatable about a first swinging axis perpendicular to the imaging axis of the microscope; a first connecting piece extending from the first swinging lever towards the imaging axis; a second swinging lever pivoted on the first connecting piece and rotatable about a second swinging axis perpendicular to the first swinging axis; and a fitting tip connected to the second swinging lever for interfacing with the fiber-optic connector. Using two sets of biasing means and adjustment drivers, the imaging axis passing through the supporting body and the fitting tip can be shifted in two mutually perpendicular directions to selectively align with any endface of the fiber-optic connector.