Bend Inducing Fiber Array Unit with Anti-Recovery Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for incorporating directional changes in optical fiber arrays are challenging to design and manufacture, particularly for advanced telecommunications systems, as they often require complex and non-planar components that are difficult to precision-engineer and assemble effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bend inducing fiber array unit comprising an array of optical fibers with input and output axes, anti-recovery plates, and a V-groove chip with fiber accommodating grooves, allowing for precise and adaptable directional changes by securing the V-groove chip at a relative angle θ, enabling convenient and precise manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex non-planar components are used to introduce directional changes in fiber arrays, then the directional change capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber array assembly is divided into separate planar components: a first substrate with input fiber axes, a second substrate with output fiber axes, and intermediate V-groove chips. Each component can be manufactured independently with standard precision, avoiding the need to precision-engineer complex non-planar integrated structures while maintaining the required directional change capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from attempting to create directional changes within a single planar layer to using multiple stacked layers (substrates and V-groove chips) with precise angular relationships. The relative angle θ between V-groove chips and substrates enables the required bend geometry through three-dimensional stacking rather than complex in-plane shaping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex non-planar components are used to introduce directional changes in fiber arrays, then the directional change capability is improved, but the assembly ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into discrete planar components (substrates and V-groove chips) that can be manufactured separately using standard processes, the assembly becomes more manageable. Each component has well-defined interfaces that simplify alignment and bonding, reducing overall assembly difficulty compared to manufacturing a single complex non-planar component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses adjustable parameters such as the relative angle θ between V-groove chips and substrates, and the positioning of fiber axes within V-grooves, to achieve different directional change configurations. This parametric approach allows flexibility in designing various bend geometries (including successive bends) without requiring fundamentally different assembly procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If standard planar components are used with precise angular relationships, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparent structural complexity is offset by segmentation into standardized components. Each substrate and V-groove chip is relatively simple in structure, allowing for precise manufacturing. The overall directional change function emerges from the controlled arrangement of these simple components rather than from a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-groove chips serve multiple functions: they accommodate optical fibers, define angular relationships (relative angle θ) between input and output axes, and provide mechanical support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, effectively managing structural complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A bend inducing fiber array unit is provided comprising first and second anti-recovery plates and a V-groove chip. Opposing lateral anti-recovery plates are arranged on opposite sides of the first and second anti-recovery plates. Lateral edges on a common side of the anti-recovery plates are secured to a common face of one of the opposing lateral anti-recovery plates to fix the first and second anti-recovery plates relative to each other. A guided portion of the array of optical fibers is positioned in the fiber accommodating grooves of the V-groove chip and the V-groove chip is secured to the second anti-recovery plate such that the fiber accommodating grooves and a fiber guiding face of the first anti-recovery plate are fixed at a relative angle θ approximating the bend in the array of optical fibers.