Array Connector Test Harness for Optical Fiber Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical test instruments are not configured to interface directly with array connectors, requiring cumbersome custom harnesses and time-consuming testing procedures to test multiple fibers, which are inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An optical harness system comprising near-end and far-end harnesses that loop all fibers together, creating a single optical path for testing, allowing a single-ended test instrument to test all fibers simultaneously without relocation, and incorporating software for automated analysis and unique loopback identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a custom harness breaks out the array connector interface to simplex connectors for testing, then the test instrument can interface with single fiber connectors, but the testing procedure becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring sequential connection to each connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple simplex connector interfaces into a single array connector interface. The test instrument connects to one array connector that aggregates multiple fiber connections, allowing simultaneous testing of all fibers in the array rather than sequential testing of individual simplex connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The array connector serves multiple functions: it provides a single interface point for the test instrument while simultaneously managing multiple fiber connections. This multi-functional connector eliminates the need for separate simplex connector interfaces for each fiber.
2Measurement precision
If the fiber length in the breakout harness is increased to suppress deadzone effects, then measurement accuracy improves, but the harness becomes more complex and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fiber paths are merged into a single array connector interface, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate harnesses with extended fiber lengths into one organized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The array connector structure nests multiple fiber connections within a single connector body, allowing individual fiber management while maintaining a compact, organized harness structure rather than requiring separate extended cables for each fiber.
3Reliability
If the test instrument is moved to opposite ends of the network for bi-directional testing, then complete fiber network testing is achieved, but the testing process becomes more time-consuming and requires careful monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines forward and reverse direction testing into a single test sequence by using the array connector's inherent structure to launch test signals that traverse all fibers in both directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for physical instrument relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The array connector is pre-configured with the appropriate fiber routing and connections to enable bi-directional testing from a single location. The harness structure is prepared in advance to automatically route test signals through all fibers in both directions without requiring operator intervention to reconfigure connections.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for testing optical fiber systems by providing a near-end and far-end harness that loops the set of fibers in the fiber system together. The near-end harness has an interface to connect to the tester. The tester then effects testing on the entire set of fibers, which are looped together by the configuration of the two harnesses creating a single optical path that traverses the entire set or subset of fibers in the network, so a launched test signal propagates through the entire set of looped fibers, providing measurement results for the fibers.