Compact Optical Fiber Connector With Spring-Loaded Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard fiber optic connectors are too large for the miniaturized optical modules of the new generation of coherent devices and modules, such as 32 G smart TROSAs, necessitating a compact and reliable optical fiber connector that can maintain stable connections with low optical insertion loss.
Innovation Solution
A single-mode optical fiber connector with a smaller size, utilizing fine-threaded screws, internal springs, and a C-sleeve mechanism to align and secure optical fibers, ensuring stable connections and alignment with low insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If standard fiber optic connectors are used, then reliable optical connection is achieved, but the connector size is too large for miniaturized optical modules
Solution Approach 1:
The C-sleeve is nested within the connector housing, and the ferrules are nested within the C-sleeve. This nested structure allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact arrangement, significantly reducing the overall connector volume while maintaining alignment precision and connection reliability for miniaturized optical modules
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional modules: housing, C-sleeve, support structure, and ferrules. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while contributing to the overall compact design, enabling reliable optical connection in a reduced size form factor
2Volume of moving object
If compact connector design is implemented, then connector size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The C-sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the housing and ferrules, providing a precision-machined reference surface that facilitates accurate ferrule alignment. This intermediary element absorbs manufacturing tolerances and ensures consistent alignment precision even in the compact connector design
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable parameters such as spring pressure and positioning features that can be tuned during manufacturing. This allows compensation for minor dimensional variations and achieves the required alignment precision through parameter optimization rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across all components
3Volume of moving object
If compact connector design is implemented, then connector size is reduced, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic compensation for misalignment and maintains optimal contact pressure between ferrules. This dynamic element allows the compact connector to maintain stable optical connection despite size reduction, as the spring automatically adjusts to accommodate minor variations in assembly and usage conditions
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 connector provides a secure, compact, and reliable optical connection suitable for miniaturized modules, meeting GR-326 standard test conditions with an insertion loss of 0.2 dB or less.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged in the first interior volume laterally between the support shoulder of the support structure and the second end portion of the first housing part, wherein the spring is configured to apply a stable pressure force to the support shoulder
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a housing part having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface and an inner surface that laterally extend between the first and second ends, with the inner surface defining an interior volume; a fiber optic ferrule arranged in the interior volume and containing an optical fiber; a support structure arranged in the interior volume and configured to hold the fiber optic ferrule; and a spring arranged in the interior volume laterally between a support shoulder of the support structure and the second end of the housing part. The spring is configured to apply a stable pressure force to the support shoulder. Additionally, the support structure is configured to impart at least a portion of the stable pressure force to the fiber optic ferrule such that the fiber optic ferrule is pushed toward the first end with a constant pressure.