Ferrule Boot Structure for Reduced Adhesive-Induced Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ferrules deform due to adhesive contraction, leading to manufacturing complexity and high costs, especially when adhesive filling is used for fixing optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A boot structure with a protrusion part that guides optical fibers into fiber holes, reducing the amount of adhesive needed and allowing capillary action for adhesive application, thereby stabilizing the ferrule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is filled in the ferrule to fix optical fibers, then fiber fixation is achieved, but ferrule deformation occurs due to adhesive contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The boot structure extracts and contains the adhesive within a defined space, separating the adhesive's fixing function from the ferrule's structural space. The adhesive is confined to the boot's internal cavity, preventing it from contracting within the ferrule and causing deformation, while still effectively fixing the optical fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot acts as an intermediary component between the adhesive and the ferrule. It provides a dedicated space for the adhesive to perform its fixing function while physically isolating the adhesive's contraction effects from the ferrule structure, thereby preventing ferrule deformation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complicated ferrule configuration with resin insert-molding is used to prevent deformation, then ferrule stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule system is segmented into distinct functional components: the ferrule body, the boot, and the adhesive. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the ferrule provides structural stability, the boot contains the adhesive, and the adhesive fixes the fibers - thereby avoiding the need for complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. By using this simple boot structure instead of complex resin insert-molding, the design achieves ferrule stability through a cost-effective, manufacturable solution.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the amount of adhesive is reduced to suppress ferrule deformation, then ferrule stability is improved, but fiber fixation reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The boot provides a localized space that concentrates the adhesive where it is most needed - around the optical fibers. This local containment ensures that even with reduced overall adhesive quantity, the adhesive is effectively distributed and positioned to maintain reliable fiber fixation while minimizing total adhesive volume to prevent ferrule deformation.
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 boot structure suppresses ferrule deformation by minimizing adhesive use while ensuring effective fiber fixation, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
allowing capillary action for adhesive application
Data Source
AI summary
A boot configured to be attached to a ferrule includes: a fiber insertion hole into which optical fibers are inserted; a lower part on one side with respect to the fiber insertion hole; and an upper part on another side with respect to the fiber insertion hole. The fiber insertion hole is disposed to correspond with fiber holes of the ferrule that are disposed in an array in one direction. The upper part includes a protrusion part that protrudes relative to an end surface of the lower part in a fiber insertion direction. The ferrule includes: an adhesive filling part configured to be filled with an adhesive; and a stepped part that guides the optical fibers into the fiber holes.