Multifiber Connector Prealignment Prevents Guide Pin Stubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifiber interconnects, such as MPO-style connectors, struggle to achieve high fiber densities, leading to potential guide pin stubbing and degraded optical performance due to imprecise prealignment of MT ferrules.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of prealignment features, including projections and grooves, on the side walls of fiber optic connectors and adapters, which slidably engage to precisely align multifiber ferrules, preventing guide pin stubbing and ensuring accurate optical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MPO-style connectors are used to achieve multifiber interconnection, then fiber density can be increased, but guide pin stubbing occurs due to imprecise prealignment
Solution Approach 1:
The prealignment formation is engaged before the ferrules make final contact, performing the alignment action in advance. The sloped surface guides the guide pin into proper alignment with the guide pin opening before the ferrule end faces meet, preventing stubbing and ensuring precise optical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The prealignment formation acts as an intermediary element between the guide pin and the guide pin opening. It provides a transitional engagement surface that facilitates accurate alignment before the final ferrule-to-ferrule connection is made.
2Measurement precision
If guide pins are used to align fibers, then optical alignment can be achieved, but ferrule end face damage occurs due to stubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The prealignment formation provides preliminary alignment action before the guide pin contacts the ferrule end face. By establishing alignment through the sloped prealignment surface first, the harmful stubbing action is prevented before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment is performed in advance through engagement of the guide pin with the prealignment formation, ensuring proper positioning before the ferrules are pressed together and before any potential stubbing could damage the end face.
3Quantity of substance
If multifiber ferrules are pressed together to make connections, then fiber density is increased, but prealignment precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The prealignment formation enables preliminary alignment action during the insertion process, establishing precise ferrule positioning before final contact. This maintains manufacturing precision even as fiber density increases through multifiber integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The prealignment formation adds a dimensional element to the alignment process by providing a sloped engagement surface that guides alignment in addition to the standard guide pin mechanism, enhancing precision in the multifiber connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A very small form factor multifiber fiber optic connection system includes an adapter and mating connectors with complementary prealignment features for prealigning multifiber ferrules in the adapter to prevent guide pin stubbing. The adapter has a prealignment feature formed on at least one interior side of each individual connector port and the connectors have a complementary prealignment formation along a side wall of the connector housing assembly. Each prealignment feature slidably engages the prealignment formation of a fiber optic connector as the fiber optic connector is inserted into the individual connector port to prealign a multifiber ferrule of the fiber optic connector in the adapter.