Fiber Optic Ferrule With Deformable Ring For Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connectors require extensive end polishing and mechanical support structures that can lead to loosening and increased costs due to the need for precise alignment and stabilization of optical fibers within ferrules, which complicates the assembly and signal transmission process.
Innovation Solution
A ferrule design with a longitudinally extending optical fiber bore and a conically shaped or outwardly extending ring at the distal end to securely engage and retain the optical fiber, allowing for minimal polishing and enhanced retention characteristics, reducing the need for subsequent end polishing and improving mechanical gripping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic deformable ferrule is used to mechanically secure the optical fiber, then the fiber is retained within the ferrule, but extensive end polishing is required and the distal end face becomes deformed into a dish or crater configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule distal end portion is pre-formed with an outwardly extending ring structure that protrudes beyond the distal end face. This preliminary structural preparation enables the ring to be deformed inwardly during assembly to create a tapered gripping region, while the distal end face itself remains substantially flat and orthogonal, eliminating the need for extensive polishing and avoiding the dish or crater deformation of conventional ferrules.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule incorporates a localized outwardly extending ring structure at the distal end portion, separate from the main ferrule body. This localized feature is specifically designed to be deformed inwardly to create the gripping region, while the distal end face maintains its flat geometry. This local differentiation allows the gripping function to be achieved without compromising the flatness of the distal end face.
2Reliability
If the optical fiber is passed through a longitudinal bore and mechanically crimped, then the fiber is secured, but a small amount of projecting fiber and deformed ferrule material must be polished, increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is pre-formed with an outwardly extending ring that protrudes beyond the distal end face by a controlled amount. This preliminary configuration allows the ring to be deformed inwardly during assembly to create the gripping region, while minimizing the amount of material that protrudes beyond the distal end face. The result is reduced polishing requirements compared to conventional ferrules where the entire distal end face and projecting fiber must be polished.
Solution Approach 2:
The outwardly extending ring structure is extracted as a separate functional element from the main ferrule body. This ring is specifically designed to be deformed inwardly to create the gripping region, separating the gripping function from the distal end face geometry. This extraction allows the distal end face to remain flat and orthogonal, reducing the amount of material that requires polishing.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional metallic ferrules are used, then fiber optic connections can be made, but loosening occurs and additional mechanical support structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule distal end portion is pre-formed with an outwardly extending ring structure that is designed to be deformed inwardly during assembly. This preliminary formation creates a tapered gripping region that provides enhanced mechanical retention. The deformation process creates frictional engagement between the ring and the optical fiber, preventing loosening without requiring additional mechanical support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The outwardly extending ring structure creates a curved, tapered gripping region when deformed inwardly. This curved geometry provides progressive engagement with the optical fiber, similar to a conical friction fit. The curved surface area increases the frictional contact between the ferrule and fiber, enhancing retention stability without requiring additional structural elements.
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 ferrule design significantly reduces the need for post-assembly polishing, enhances optical fiber retention, and minimizes loosening, thereby improving signal transmission efficiency and reducing costs associated with the polishing process.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end portion is mechanically inwardly deformable to frictionally engage the optical fiber within the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule connectable to a fiber optic cable having an exposed portion of a length of optical fiber extending from a protective buffer. The ferrule includes a cylindrical body preferably having a mostly hollow interior open at a proximal end thereof adapted in size to receive an end portion of the buffer. An optical fiber bore coaxial with the hollow interior extends longitudinally through a distal end portion of the body sized to slidably receive the optical fiber therethrough. The distal end portion is mechanically deformable to frictionally engage the optical fiber within the bore, the distal end face being either conically shaped or including an outwardly extending ring resulting in the distal end face being a substantially planar surface, whereby a projecting length of the optical fiber extending beyond the distal end face may be cleaved in very close proximity to the distal end face.