Ferrule Coupling Strength via Multi-Dimensional Guide Pin Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ferrule configuration for optical connectors has a low coupling strength due to the shared guide pin being shorter than the lens plate thickness, leading to inadequate connection between male and female optical connector modules.
Innovation Solution
A ferrule design featuring a ferrule body with a first fitting part and a first coupling hole, and an optical transmissive member with a second fitting part and a second coupling hole, where the coupling member is a guide pin, allowing for secure connection between ferrule bodies with multiple coupling holes on both sides, enhancing the coupling strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the guide pin is shared by the ferrule body and the lens plate and the front end of the guide pin is protruded from the lens plate, then the male optical connector module with a protruding structure can be connected to the female optical connector module with a recessed structure, but the coupling strength of the optical connector modules is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single guide pin configuration to a multi-dimensional coupling system with first and second coupling holes positioned at different locations. This spatial distribution of coupling holes in multiple dimensions enhances the overall coupling strength by distributing the mechanical load across multiple connection points between the ferrule body and optical transmissive member.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into multiple coupling holes (first coupling hole and second coupling hole) instead of relying on a single guide pin. This segmentation allows the coupling strength to be distributed across multiple interaction points, with each coupling hole contributing to the overall mechanical strength of the connection between male and female optical connector modules.
2Ease of manufacture
If two members are positioned by inserting a guide pin into a guide hole of the ferrule body and a guide hole of the lens plate, then the two members can be coupled as one ferrule, but the manufacturing precision and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transmissive member is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as an optical element (with optical surfaces for light transmission) and as a positioning element (with second coupling holes for mechanical coupling). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning structures, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining positioning precision through the integrated design of coupling holes within the optical member itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule of the present invention includes a ferrule body including an optical transmission member holding part, the optical transmission member holding part being configured to hold a plurality of optical transmission members; and an optical transmissive member including an optical surface disposed opposite to front end surfaces of the plurality of optical transmission members held by the optical transmission member holding part, the optical transmissive member being configured to transmit light emitted from the plurality of optical transmission members. The ferrule body includes a first fitting part and a first coupling hole, the first coupling hole being configured to receive a coupling member. The optical transmissive member includes a second fitting part configured to be fitted with the first fitting part, and a second coupling hole through which the coupling member received by the first coupling hole is provided.