Elastomeric Optical Fiber Alignment Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for coupling optical fibers, such as fusion splicing and ferrule-based connectors, incur significant time and financial costs, as well as undesired signal transmission losses due to misalignment and inflexibility, particularly in high-density fiber applications.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic coupling device featuring an elastomeric body with deformable alignment passages that elastically center and coaxially align optical fibers, providing 360-degree support and minimizing transmission loss through precise core alignment without the need for v-groove arrays or presser springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fusion splicing or ferrule-based connectors are used for fiber coupling, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastomeric body with deformable alignment passages that elastically deform to accommodate and center optical fibers. The elastomeric material provides flexible, compliant support that adapts to fiber positioning requirements without requiring rigid, complex alignment mechanisms like v-groove arrays or presser springs, thereby achieving precise alignment with reduced device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment passages are designed to elastically deform under the insertion of optical fibers, changing their dimensional parameters dynamically. This elastic deformation allows the passages to conform to the fibers and provide precise coaxial alignment through material property changes rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If fusion splicing or ferrule connectors are used for fiber coupling, then alignment precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric body with pre-formed alignment passages is prepared in advance, with the passages already configured to elastically center fibers upon insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time alignment adjustments during fiber coupling operations, as the elastic deformation automatically achieves coaxial alignment when fibers are inserted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment passages perform self-alignment through elastic deformation when optical fibers are inserted into the elastomeric body. The material automatically centers the fibers coaxially without requiring external alignment tools, operators, or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby significantly reducing the time required for fiber coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid alignment structures like v-groove arrays are used, then alignment precision is improved, but adaptability to fiber variations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadaptability to fiber variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric body provides compliant, flexible alignment passages that can adapt to variations in fiber diameter, length, and positioning. The elastic material deforms to accommodate different fiber specifications while maintaining coaxial alignment, offering superior adaptability compared to rigid v-groove structures that require precise mechanical adjustments for each fiber variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 elastomeric coupling device achieves precise coaxial alignment of optical fibers with minimal transmission loss, flexibility for repeated use, and reduced costs by eliminating the need for complex alignment tools and structures, while accommodating variations in fiber diameter and length.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric body with deformable alignment passages that elastically center and coaxially align optical fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11327229B2Elastomeric optical fiber alignment and coupling device

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 COMMSCOPE NORTH CAROLINA LLC

AI summary

A fiber optic coupling device comprises an elastomeric body. The elastomeric body includes first and second sides with a deformable alignment passage extending there between. The deformable alignment passage is configured to elastically center opposing first and second optical fibers. The deformable alignment passage includes a first portion that is configured to receive the first optical fiber having a first core. The deformable alignment passage also includes an opposing second portion that is configured to receive the second optical fiber having a second core. The first portion and the opposing second portion of the alignment passage are defined by a common encompassing periphery, and meet at a common location within the alignment passage to present the core of the received first optical fiber in coaxial alignment with the core of the received second optical fiber.