Compact Fiber Optic Connectors With Tunable Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors are bulky and require significant space for deployment, making them unsuitable for efficient and cost-effective connectivity in outdoor communication networks, particularly in environments with limited space availability.
Innovation Solution
Development of compact fiber optic connectors with a housing and ferrule design that allows for easy assembly, intuitive connectivity, and rotational tuning for improved optical performance, featuring a transition region with non-round and round cross-sections to ensure proper alignment and prevent insertion into non-compliant ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional hardened fiber optic connectors are used, then reliable optical connection is achieved, but the connectors are bulky and require significant space for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is inserted into a recess within the housing, creating a nested configuration where one component fits inside another. This nesting approach allows the connector to maintain structural integrity and optical reliability while significantly reducing the overall volume and footprint of the connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design transitions from a conventional linear arrangement to a compact configuration by utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. The ferrule's insertion into a housing recess and the overall compact geometry demonstrate a dimensional optimization that reduces space requirements without compromising connection reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If compact connector design is implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing component and a ferrule component. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured and assembled separately, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving the desired compact configuration. The modular approach reduces complexity compared to monolithic designs.
3Manufacturing precision
If transition region with non-round and round cross-sections is used, then proper alignment and prevention of insertion into non-compliant ports is ensured, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transition region incorporates a non-round cross-sectional portion that provides asymmetric geometry for precise alignment and to prevent insertion into non-compliant ports. This asymmetric feature creates a mechanical keying effect that ensures proper orientation and connection compatibility, achieving high alignment precision through geometric design rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic connectors comprising compact footprints along with cable assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical connector comprises a housing and a ferrule. The housing comprises a longitudinal passageway between a rear end and a front end. The optical connectors disclosed may be tunable for improving optical performance and may include a spring for biasing the ferrule to a forward position as desired.