Ferrule Optical Fiber Connector With Side-Mounted Spring Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ferrule-type multi-fiber connectors face challenges in achieving a shorter total length while maintaining contact force and ferrule suspension requirements, particularly in applications requiring miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A ferrule-type optical fiber connector design incorporating an elastic tailseat with integrated springs, featuring a parallel connection between the first ferrule and the spring, reducing the overall length by integrating the spring into the tailseat and minimizing component count to two main parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is connected in series at the rear end of the male ferrule to meet contact force and suspension requirements, then the contact force and ferrule suspension are satisfied, but the total length of the connector increases and cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of the spring from a series connection along the longitudinal axis to a side-mounted configuration. The spring is installed on the side of the first ferrule, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, allowing the contact force to be transmitted through a different geometric path that does not extend the overall length of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-installed on the side of the first ferrule before mating, and the elastic tailseat is pre-assembled with the spring. This preliminary configuration allows the spring to be in the correct position to provide contact force without requiring additional longitudinal space during the mating process.
2Reliability
If multiple auxiliary parts such as spring, push-pull decoupling structure, and tensile-resistant structure are assembled via crimping, then the connector is fully functional for thick optical cables, but the structure becomes complex and length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary auxiliary components from the connector design. Specifically, it eliminates the push-pull decoupling structure and tensile-resistant structure that are present in MPO connectors, retaining only the essential spring mechanism for contact force and the elastic tailseat for ferrule suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the spring and elastic tailseat into a integrated assembly. The elastic tailseat incorporates the spring within its structure, combining multiple functions (support, suspension, and elastic force generation) into a single unified component that reduces overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If guide pins are inserted into guide pin holes for alignment, then the alignment precision is achieved, but the guide pin holes experience wear that reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic tailseat as an intermediary component between the guide pins and the ferrule mounting structure. The elastic tailseat absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress and wear that would otherwise be concentrated on the guide pin holes, thereby protecting them while still allowing precise alignment through the guide pins.
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 design achieves a minimized total length, optimized assembly convenience, and extended plugging service life by reducing wear on guide pin holes and requiring only three assembly steps, while maintaining connection stability.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic tailseat comprises a spring, wherein the spring is set on the side of the first ferrule
Implementation Method 2
enhanced durability through reduced guide pin hole wear
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a ferrule-type optical fiber connector, which comprises a connector mainbody, an elastic tailseat matched with the connector mainbody, a first ferrule and a second ferrule coupled with each other; the second ferrule is set on the connector mainbody, the first ferrule is set on the elastic tailseat, the elastic tailseat comprises a spring, characterized in that the spring is set on the side of the first ferrule. An advantage is that by arranging the spring for elastically connecting the first ferrule and the second ferrule on the side of the first ferrule, the total length of the entire optical fiber connector is no longer the sum of the total length of the ferrule body and the entire length of the spring. On the premise of meeting the connection and usage requirements, the total length of the entire optical fiber connector is minimized.