Fiber Optic Connector Ferrule Bore Bonding Agent Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connector sub-assemblies face challenges in securely retaining bonding agents within the ferrule bore, leading to potential migration and inconsistent termination processes, especially over extended periods or during handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a loading device to position a bonding agent within the ferrule bore, followed by selective heating to create a crust portion at the ends and ensure secure coupling, while maintaining the bonding agent's ability to form adhesion properties during the termination process, with optional pressurized air or vacuum assistance to fill the micro-hole section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bonding agent is pre-loaded into ferrule bore, then connectorization process is simplified, but bonding agent may migrate during handling and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding agent is pre-loaded into the ferrule bore before the connectorization process, allowing the ferrule to be prepared in advance. This preliminary action simplifies the overall manufacturing process by separating the bonding agent loading step from the fiber termination step, enabling batch preparation of ferrules.
Solution Approach 2:
A crust portion is formed at the ends of the bonding agent within the ferrule bore through selective heating. This creates a localized hardened region that prevents migration while preserving the adhesive properties of the remaining bonding agent in the center portion, allowing it to effectively bond the fiber to the ferrule.
2Reliability
If bonding agent is heated to form crust portion, then migration is prevented, but adhesion properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is localized to the ends of the bonding agent, creating crust portions only at these regions. The central portion of the bonding agent remains unheated and retains its full adhesion properties, ensuring effective bonding between the fiber and ferrule while the heated ends provide migration prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating process transforms the physical state of the bonding agent at the ends from a soft, migratable state to a hardened crust state. This parameter change (from soft to hardened) provides structural support and prevents migration while the unheated central portion maintains its adhesive characteristics.
3Manufacturing precision
If bonding agent is securely retained in ferrule, then termination consistency is improved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding agent is pre-loaded and crust portions are formed in advance during ferrule preparation. This preliminary action ensures consistent bonding agent positioning and prevents migration before the fiber termination process, improving termination consistency without adding complexity during the actual connectorization step.
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 solution securely couples the bonding agent to the ferrule, reducing migration and ensuring consistent termination, while preserving adhesion properties for later use, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fiber optic connector sub-assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the ferrule is heated above a melting temperature of the bonding agent to melt and solidify a portion of the bonding agent
Implementation Method 2
heated above a melting temperature of the bonding agent to melt and solidify a portion of the bonding agent
Implementation Method 3
The micro-hole section of the ferrule bore may be filled with the bonding agent by applying pressurized air or a vacuum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fiber optic connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule (12) having a front end (14), a rear end (16), and a ferrule bore (102) extending between the front and rear ends along a longitudinal axis. The fiber optic connector sub-assembly also includes a bonding agent (120) disposed in the ferrule bore (102) and having first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The bonding agent (120) has been melted and solidified at the first and second ends.