Ferrule Holding Frame for Glue-Free Optical 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 shrinkage of glue during curing, leading to high coupling loss, bending, and breakage, and require rework or replacement, which can damage sensitive components.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a frame with perpendicular longitudinal portions and a holder coupled between them, along with spring elements, securely holds ferrules parallel to each other, ensuring proper alignment and easy coupling with receptacles, allowing for easy decoupling and recoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If glue is used to hold ferrules against receptacles, then ferrules can be secured in place, but the glue shrinks during curing causing displacement and improper positioning of ferrules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule positioning stabilityVSAvoidferrule positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the glue entirely from the system and replaces it with a mechanical holding device consisting of a frame and holder structure that physically secures ferrules against receptacles without any adhesive material, thereby eliminating shrinkage-related positioning errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (glue) with a mechanical holding system comprising a frame with longitudinal portions and a holder that uses physical contact and geometric constraints to secure ferrules in precise positions against receptacles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If glue is used to hold ferrules, then ferrules are secured, but rework or replacement becomes difficult and may damage sensitive components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule securingVSAvoidferrule rework ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed to be dynamically adjustable and removable, allowing ferrules to be easily inserted, positioned, secured, and later removed or replaced without permanent bonding, enabling straightforward rework and maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical holding structure allows for easy removal and replacement of ferrules without damage, enabling recovery and reuse of components through simple mechanical operations rather than destructive adhesive removal processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If glue is used to hold ferrules, then ferrules are attached to receptacles, but high coupling loss, bending and breakage occur during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule attachmentVSAvoidcoupling reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device enables preliminary positioning and alignment of ferrules with receptacles before final coupling, allowing precise placement and verification to ensure proper alignment and minimize coupling loss before the ferrules are permanently coupled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical holding structure provides protective support during the assembly process, cushioning ferrules against misalignment, bending, and breakage by maintaining precise positioning and allowing controlled insertion into receptacles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 positioning and coupling of ferrules with receptacles, reducing the need for rework and minimizing damage to components, while facilitating maintenance and replacement.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12386124B2Device for holding a plurality of ferrules against a respective plurality of receptacles

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

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.