Ferrule-less Fiber Optic Adapter with V-Groove Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fiber optic connection systems face challenges in achieving high optical fiber connection density and compatibility with conventional SC and LC adapter mounting structures, particularly when using ferrule-less connectors, which require innovative alignment and protection mechanisms to ensure reliable and dense optical connections.

Innovation Solution

The development of a fiber optic adapter with ferrule-less fiber alignment technology, featuring coaxially aligned connector ports, linearly movable shutters, and a telescopic shroud with a safety lock, along with a spring-biased optical fiber holder, to accommodate multiple optical fibers and maintain compatibility with conventional adapter mounting structures, ensuring precise alignment and protection of non-ferrulized fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If ferrule-less fiber optic connectors are used to increase connection density, then the number of optical fibers that can be connected is improved, but the alignment precision and protection of fiber ends deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of optical fibersVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate fiber alignment device with V-grooves that serves as a mediator between the ferrule-less connector and the fiber ends. The V-grooves provide precise geometric alignment for multiple optical fibers without requiring ferrules, resolving the contradiction by enabling high-precision alignment for numerous fibers simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing individualized alignment features (V-grooves) for each fiber position within the connector. Each fiber receives tailored alignment guidance at its specific location, allowing precise alignment for multiple fibers while maintaining the ferrule-less design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If ferrule-less connectors are used to achieve high connection density, then the quantity of optical fibers is improved, but the reliability of optical connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of optical fibersVSAvoidoptical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a protective shroud that covers the fiber ends before connection. The shroud prevents damage and contamination to the fragile fiber ends, ensuring reliable optical connections when multiple fibers are connected in a compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber alignment device with V-grooves acts as an intermediary that ensures proper fiber end alignment and protection, enabling reliable connections for high-density multi-fiber configurations without ferrules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If ferrule-less fiber alignment technology is used to increase connection density, then the number of optical fibers is improved, but the compatibility with conventional adapter mounting structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of optical fibersVSAvoidcompatibility with conventional adapters
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing the ferrule-less connector with an adapter interface that is compatible with both conventional SC and LC mounting structures. The connector can be universally installed in existing adapter frameworks while maintaining the advanced ferrule-less multi-fiber alignment technology, thus preserving compatibility with conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: the ferrule-less fiber alignment section for high-density fiber connection and the conventional adapter mounting section for compatibility. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If multiple optical fibers are accommodated to increase connection density, then the quantity of optical fibers is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of optical fibersVSAvoidalignment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple alignment functions into a single integrated V-groove structure. Instead of requiring separate alignment mechanisms for each fiber, the unified V-groove design simultaneously aligns multiple optical fibers in parallel, reducing device complexity while accommodating increased fiber quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from individual fiber alignment (one-dimensional approach) to multi-fiber parallel alignment (two-dimensional arrangement). The V-grooves are configured to handle multiple fibers simultaneously in a planar arrangement, simplifying the overall alignment structure while increasing connection density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution enhances optical connection density and compatibility with standard adapter formats, enabling efficient and reliable transmission of multiple optical fibers while maintaining backward compatibility with conventional SC and LC adapter structures, thereby addressing the limitations of existing ferrule-less fiber optic connectors.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is used to bias the ferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connector housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The fiber alignment structure can be configured to accommodate at least one, two, four, eight, sixteen, twenty-four, thirty-two or more optical fibers for each of the first and second connector ports

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometry: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

a telescopic shroud with a safety lock, along with a spring-biased optical fiber holder, to accommodate multiple optical fibers and maintain compatibility with conventional adapter mounting structures, ensuring precise alignment and protection of non-ferrulized fibers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

linearly movable shutters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11828989B2Fiber optic connectors, fiber optic adapters and related fiber optic connection systems
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US11828989B2 patent drawing
  • US11828989B2 patent drawing
  • US11828989B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapter having a footprint/form factor compatible with an SC adapter mounting structure or an LC adapter mounting structure or both the SC and LC adapter mounting structures. The adapter body may include first and second co-axially aligned connector ports for respectively receiving first and second fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter may also include a fiber alignment structure configured to accommodate at least 12 optical fibers (e.g., 12 non-ferrulized optical fibers) for each of the first and second connector ports. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapter with linearly moveable, spring biased shutters. A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less fiber optic connector that may include a telescopic shroud and a safety lock for locking the shroud in a fiber protecting position. A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less fiber optic connector with a spring-biased fiber holder.