Extended Access Optical Fiber Ferrule for Faster Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic cable installations are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the small size of optical fibers and the complexity of aligning and connecting them, which can lead to breakage and inefficiencies in the termination process.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic ferrule with an extended access opening at the top surface, allowing for improved access and alignment of optical fibers into insertion holes, facilitated by a flange with projections to secure a cable boot and enable adhesive application, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of fiber optic connector termination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ferrule design is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but installation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a top surface opening that provides access to the interior space from a third dimension (top surface), rather than only from the lateral sides. This dimensional change allows installers to access and align optical fibers more efficiently, reducing installation time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended access opening acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the alignment and insertion of optical fibers into the ferrule body. By providing this intermediate access path, the patent enables faster fiber termination without compromising alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional ferrule design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but alignment precision of optical fibers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the top surface opening, the patent creates a new access dimension that improves ease of fiber insertion and alignment. This additional opening allows installers to visually and physically guide fibers into the correct positions, enhancing operational ease while maintaining the precision of the insertion holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule body is segmented with multiple functional openings: lateral openings for cable access and a top surface opening for fiber alignment and adhesive application. This segmentation allows each opening to serve a specific function, improving both alignment precision and operational ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional ferrule design is used, then device complexity is minimized, but installation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is divided into multiple functional zones with specific openings: lateral openings for cable entry and a top surface opening for fiber termination operations. This segmentation enables high termination accuracy by providing dedicated access points for different installation tasks, while the added complexity is minimal and focused only on the necessary functional areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The top surface opening is specifically positioned and sized to provide optimal access for fiber alignment and adhesive application, while the rest of the ferrule maintains its simple cylindrical structure. This local quality enhancement improves termination accuracy without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic ferrule comprising a ferrule body having a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes at a first end thereof, the plurality of optical fiber insertion holes being configured to receive a plurality of optical fibers, and an extended access opening arranged at a top surface of a second end of the ferrule body located opposite the first end, the extended access opening being configured to provide open access to substantially an entirety of an interior space within the ferrule body.