Optical Fiber Connector Pin Clamp Guide Pin Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors face challenges in efficiently fusion-splicing optical fibers and reinforcing the fusion-spliced portions, particularly due to the need for precise alignment, labor-intensive processes, and difficulties with large optical transmission media, as well as issues with guide pin attachment and detachment which can lead to increased connector size and guide pin fall-out.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber connector design featuring a ferrule with an inserted optical fiber, an external optical fiber fusion-spliced to it, and a pair of reinforcing members with adhesion layers that pinch and reinforce the fusion-spliced portion, allowing for easy guide pin attachment and detachment without increasing connector size, and a cap-attached design for tensile member fixation without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical splice mechanism is used to connect optical fibers, then the connector can be assembled on site, but the alignment precision and connection reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferrule as an intermediary component that precisely positions and aligns optical fibers during fusion splicing. The ferrule with its precise bore structure serves as a mediator between the two optical fibers, ensuring accurate alignment while enabling on-site assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of optical fibers within the ferrule before final fusion splicing. The ferrule pre-positions the fibers in correct alignment, and the alignment groove maintains this positioning during the splicing process, ensuring precision before the permanent connection is made.
2Strength
If fusion splicing is performed with external optical fiber passing through reinforcing members, then the fusion-spliced portion can be reinforced, but the alignment precision is reduced and the process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of optical fibers within the ferrule using the alignment groove before fusion splicing. The ferrule pre-positions the fibers in correct alignment, and this preliminary positioning is maintained during the splicing process, ensuring precision before the permanent connection is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule serves as an intermediary that maintains precise alignment during fusion splicing. The alignment groove within the ferrule acts as a mediator to keep fibers properly positioned, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms that would reduce precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide pin is made detachable for flexible attachment and detachment, then the connector adaptability is improved, but the guide pin may fall out and the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is nested within the ferrule structure, with the pin fitting into a recessed portion of the ferrule. This nesting arrangement allows the guide pin to be detachably attached for flexibility while the recessed portion prevents the pin from falling out, maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule has different structural characteristics at different locations: a recessed portion for guide pin attachment and a precise bore for optical fiber alignment. This local differentiation allows the guide pin to be detachable where needed while maintaining secure retention through the recessed geometry.
4Ease of manufacture
If a cap-attached design is used for tensile member fixation, then the assembly process is simplified and tool requirements are reduced, but the fixation strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cap structure nests over the ferrule and incorporates an integrated tensile member fixation mechanism. The cap's internal geometry provides a recessed portion that secures the tensile member, eliminating the need for separate fixation tools while maintaining adequate fixation strength through the nested design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure provides self-service fixation for the tensile member through its integrated design. The cap's geometry automatically secures the tensile member during assembly without requiring external tools or complex fixation procedures, simplifying the manufacturing process while providing sufficient fixation strength.
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
Facilitates efficient fusion-splicing and reinforcement of optical fibers, improves guide pin management, reduces connector size, and simplifies tensile member fixation, enhancing work efficiency and cost-effectiveness in optical fiber connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of reinforcing members that pinches and reinforces the fusion-spliced portion of the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber, wherein the reinforcing members include an adhesion layer on the inner surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule (12), an inserted optical fiber (40) of which one end portion (42) is fixed to the ferrule and of which the other end portion (43) protrudes from the ferrule, an external optical fiber of which a front end portion is fusion-spliced to the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber, and a pair of reinforcing members that pinches and reinforces the fusion-spliced portion of the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber. The optical fiber connector further includes a pin clamp (19) comprising a fitted recessed portion (183) which is formed to receive a protruding portion (191) of a guide pin (15).