Optical-Fiber Ferrule Adhesive Segmentation for Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical-fiber ferrules experience increased transmission loss due to deformation caused by environmental changes such as high temperature and humidity, leading to peeling of optical fiber end surfaces from the adhesive-filling section's inner wall.
Innovation Solution
An optical-fiber-attached ferrule design featuring an adhesive-filling section with a softer second adhesive, located closer to the optical fiber end surface than the opening surface, and a ventilation hole to prevent air bubble formation, along with a lens section to eliminate physical contact between optical fiber ends, reducing deformation and transmission loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a ferrule is filled with adhesive and the adhesive is hardened to fix optical fibers, then the optical fibers are securely fixed in place, but the ferrule deforms under environmental changes causing end surfaces to peel off and transmission loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive-filling section is divided into multiple segments along the optical fiber length, with each segment containing adhesive independently. This segmentation allows different portions to serve different functions: securing the fiber while accommodating deformation without causing peeling at any single location
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adhesive-filling section have different adhesive properties or configurations. The local structure is optimized to provide strong fixing where needed while allowing controlled deformation in other regions to prevent peeling and maintain transmission stability
2Strength
If the adhesive-filling section is filled with hardening adhesive to fix optical fibers, then the fibers are firmly attached, but deformation causes peeling of end surfaces from the abutting surface
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive-filling section is designed with sufficient length and appropriate adhesive selection to accommodate expected thermal expansion and contraction before peeling can occur. This cushioning effect prevents the harmful peeling from happening in the first place by absorbing the deformation stress
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive properties (such as hardness, elasticity, or thermal expansion coefficient) are carefully selected and adjusted to match the ferrule and optical fiber characteristics. By changing these parameters, the adhesive can maintain strong attachment while accommodating environmental deformation without causing peeling
Data Source
AI summary
An optical-fiber-attached ferrule includes: an optical fiber hole into which an optical fiber is inserted and fixed with a first adhesive; and an adhesive-filling section including an opening surface and an opposed surface opposite the opening surface. The adhesive-filling section is filled with a second adhesive that is softer than the first adhesive with an end surface of the optical fiber positioned closer to the opposed surface than to the opening surface.