Fiber Optic Ferrule Fixturing for Precise End Face Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixtures struggle to consistently and precisely secure very small form factor ferrules in a predetermined location during end face measuring, leading to increased scrap or high insertion losses due to misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a specific sequencing and magnitude of clamping forces to engage primary and secondary reference datums of the ferrule, ensuring precise positioning within a fixture, using separate and independently controlled clamp mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single clamping force is applied to secure the ferrule in the fixture, then the ferrule is held in place, but the positioning precision and consistency deteriorate due to inability to independently control engagement of different reference datums
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is divided into multiple independent clamp elements (first clamp element, second clamp element, etc.), each capable of applying clamping force to different reference datums of the ferrule independently. This segmentation allows precise control over the engagement of primary and secondary reference datums, thereby achieving high positioning precision without requiring an overly complex monolithic clamping system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanisms are configured to apply clamping forces in a specific sequence - the first clamp element engages the primary reference datum first, followed by the second clamp element engaging the secondary reference datum. This preliminary action ensures that the ferrule is progressively secured to the fixture with each reference datum being properly engaged before the next clamping force is applied, maintaining positioning precision throughout the process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple clamping forces are applied simultaneously to engage primary and secondary reference datums, then positioning precision is improved, but the complexity of controlling the clamping forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanisms are designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing the magnitudes of clamping forces to be independently adjusted and controlled. The system can apply different magnitudes of clamping forces to different clamp elements in a controlled sequence, enabling precise positioning while maintaining ease of operation through programmable or manually controllable force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping process is executed as a periodic sequence of actions rather than a simultaneous single action. The first clamp element applies clamping force in a first periodic action, followed by the second clamp element applying clamping force in a second periodic action. This periodic sequencing simplifies the control mechanism by breaking down the complex task of multi-point clamping into manageable, time-separated steps.
3Productivity
If the ferrule is not precisely positioned in the fixture, then the measurement process is simpler, but scrap increases and insertion losses occur due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning and clamping operations with an automated measurement system that integrates the fixture and clamp mechanisms into a programmable automated system. The automated system can precisely position and secure the ferrule according to pre-programmed sequences, ensuring consistent high-precision positioning while maintaining measurement efficiency through automation, thereby improving both productivity and reliability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring an end face of a ferrule is disclosed. The ferrule defines at least a primary reference datum and a secondary reference datum. The method includes inserting the ferrule in a port of a fixture and securing the ferrule within the port of the fixture by imposing a first clamping force on the ferrule to engage the secondary reference datum with a first reference datum of the fixture, and subsequently imposing a second clamping force on the ferrule to engage the primary reference datum with a second reference datum of the fixture. Features of the end face of the ferrule may be measured while the ferrule is secured to the port of the fixture. A processing interface for securing a ferrule within a port of a fixture in a precise, predetermined location and a fixture having such a processing interface are also disclosed.