Ferrule Holder Frame for Precise Receptacle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for holding ferrules against receptacles in network interface devices, such as optical transceivers, often result in improper positioning and coupling due to glue shrinkage and curing issues, leading to high coupling loss, breakage, and difficulty in rework or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame with longitudinal portions and a holder, coupled with spring elements, securely holds ferrules parallel to each other and ensures proper alignment with receptacles, allowing easy coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glue is used to hold ferrules against receptacles, then ferrules can be secured in position, but glue shrinkage during curing causes displacement and improper positioning of ferrules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful shrinkage property from the bonding process by replacing glue with a mechanical holding device consisting of a frame and holder structure. This mechanical structure provides secure holding without the detrimental shrinkage effect that causes positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical holder as an intermediary between the ferrule and receptacle, replacing the direct chemical bonding with glue. This intermediary mechanical structure ensures precise positioning while providing adequate holding strength without shrinkage-related displacement.
2Strength
If glue is used to hold ferrules against receptacles, then ferrules can be secured, but rework and replacement become difficult and may damage sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static permanent bond (glue) to a dynamic reversible mechanical holding system. The frame and holder structure allows ferrules to be easily inserted and removed, enabling rework and replacement without damage while maintaining secure holding during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical holding device enables easy discarding of the temporary holding function during assembly and recovering the ferrule for replacement or rework. The structure allows ferrules to be inserted and later removed without permanent bonding, facilitating maintenance and repair operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If glue is used to hold ferrules, then ferrules can be positioned, but improper insertion results in high coupling loss and may require replacement of ferrules or receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through guide structures and alignment features in the frame and holder that ensure ferrules are correctly positioned before final insertion. This preliminary guidance prevents improper insertion and ensures accurate coupling without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments or replacements.
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 device ensures precise and stable positioning of ferrules with receptacles, reducing coupling loss and facilitating maintenance by enabling easy rework or replacement without damaging components.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring elements, each spring element pushing a respective one of the plurality of ferrules against the transverse portion in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding a plurality of ferrules securely against a respective plurality of receptacles, which may include: a frame including: a transverse portion arranged in a transverse direction, a first longitudinal portion projecting from a first edge of the transverse portion and a second longitudinal portion projecting from a second edge of the transverse portion opposite to the first edge of the transverse portion, wherein the first and the second longitudinal portions project from the respective edges of the transverse portion in a longitudinal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction; and a holder coupled between the first and second longitudinal portions of the frame, the holder being configured to hold, with respect to the frame, a plurality of ferrules arranged longitudinally parallel to each other and being distanced from each other in the transverse direction.