Ferrule-less Multi-fiber Connector Angular Misalignment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ferrule-less fiber optic connectors face challenges in achieving reliable and repeatable physical contact between optical fibers due to misalignment issues, which can lead to inefficiencies in optical coupling and increased Fresnel loss.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fiber optical connector with a movable fiber holder that allows angular adjustment of optical fibers relative to the connector body, ensuring proper alignment and physical contact through a pivotable head portion and a fixed base portion, which can correct angular misalignments during mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ferrule-less fiber optic connectors are used to simplify structure and reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and reliability of physical contact deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferrule-less connector design where the connector body itself serves as the alignment intermediary, eliminating traditional ferrules while maintaining alignment precision through precisely positioned fiber holders and V-groove structures that directly guide fiber end faces into alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the connector by changing the fiber holder configuration, introducing angular adjustment capabilities, and modifying the V-groove geometry to optimize fiber alignment and physical contact without requiring traditional ferrules
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional ferrules are used to ensure precise fiber alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the traditional ferrule component from the connector assembly, integrating its alignment function directly into the connector body through V-grooves and fiber holders, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the alignment function previously performed by separate ferrules into the connector body itself, combining structural support and alignment functions into a single integrated component that reduces part count and complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If ferrule-less connectors are used to reduce component count, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of physical contact deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable fiber holders with angular adjustment capabilities that allow dynamic adaptation during mating, enabling the connector to compensate for misalignments and ensure reliable physical contact through real-time positional optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features such as precisely positioned V-grooves and guide structures that pre-position fibers before final contact, ensuring reliable physical contact is achieved automatically during the mating process without requiring complex adjustment procedures
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less multi-fiber connector having features adapted to compensate or adjust for angular misalignment that may occur when the multi-fiber connector is optically connected with a corresponding ferrule-less multi-fiber connector. In one example, the features for adjusting for angular misalignment are integrated in a multi-fiber holder that mounts within a connector body of the fiber optic connector.