Arrayed Visual Inspectors for Fiber Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connector inspection tools are inefficient as they can only inspect one connector at a time due to the large size of microscope probes, leading to increased inspection time for high-density cassettes used in data centers, where contamination can cause significant transmission penalties and damage to connector end faces.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus with multiple microscope probe systems, each equipped with a light source, beam splitter, fixed lens system, and variable focus lens, allowing simultaneous inspection of multiple fiber optic connector end-faces without decoupling, and an array system for securing multiple tools to inspect multiple ports simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single microscope probe is used to inspect connectors, then the inspection tool can be simple in structure, but the inspection time increases significantly when inspecting multiple connectors in high-density cassettes
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple independent microscope probe units, each capable of inspecting a specific port. This segmentation allows parallel inspection of multiple connectors simultaneously, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple microscope probe units are merged into a single integrated inspection apparatus that can inspect multiple ports simultaneously. The probes are combined within a common housing structure with shared control electronics and image processing capabilities, achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If large optical elements are used in microscope probes, then the probes can effectively inspect connector end-faces, but the probes cannot fit within the port dimensions of standard or high-density cassettes
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope probe components are nested within each other in a compact arrangement. The optical elements are positioned concentrically or in layered configurations, allowing the probe to maintain adequate inspection capability while reducing its overall volume to fit within standard cassette port dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The probe design transitions from a bulky three-dimensional arrangement to a more compact configuration by utilizing dimensional optimization. Optical paths are folded or arranged in multiple dimensions rather than linear extensions, reducing the probe's envelope volume while preserving measurement precision
3Loss of time
If multiple inspection tools are used to inspect multiple ports simultaneously, then inspection time is reduced, but the array system becomes more complex and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope probe units are pre-aligned and mechanically coupled to a common housing structure during manufacturing. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for complex field alignment procedures, reducing array system complexity while enabling simultaneous multi-port inspection that minimizes total inspection time
Solution Approach 2:
A common housing structure and shared control electronics serve as intermediaries that coordinate the multiple probe units. This intermediary framework simplifies the array system by providing unified mechanical support, electrical connections, and image processing, reducing overall complexity while achieving parallel inspection capabilities
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
Significantly reduces inspection time while ensuring cleanliness standards are met, enabling faster deployment and quality assurance in data center installations by analyzing multiple connector end-faces in parallel and providing a pass/fail signal based on contamination levels.
Implementation Method 1
beam splitter
Implementation Method 2
fixed lens system, a variable focus lens system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of inspection are provided that inspects the end-face of two or more fiber optic connectors simultaneously without the need to move a probe from one end-face to another end-face and inspecting them one by one.