Optical Ferrule Protruding Portion Alignment Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ferrule connection methods using a fixing member can lead to misalignment or inclination between connection end surfaces due to a large distance between the point of pressing force application and the connection end surface, resulting in connection loss.
Innovation Solution
A ferrule design with a protruding portion that has a rear surface closer to the connection end surface than the rear end of the ferrule main body, allowing the pressing force to be applied closer to the connection end surface, thereby reducing misalignment and inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixing member is used to press two ferrules together, then the ferrules can be connected, but misalignment or inclination occurs between connection end surfaces due to large distance between pressing force application point and connection end surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protruding portion that extends in the first direction (lateral dimension) from the ferrule main body, creating a new structural element that serves as an optimized pressing force application point. This dimensional extension allows the fixing member to apply force closer to the connection end surface, reducing the moment arm and minimizing misalignment while maintaining connection stability.
2Strength
If the pressing force is applied at the rear end of the ferrule, then the ferrule can be secured, but connection loss occurs due to misalignment between connection end surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion acts as an intermediary structure between the fixing member and the ferrule main body. It provides an optimized interface for force transmission, allowing the fixing member to apply pressing force at a location that is both secure (maintaining fixing strength) and close to the connection end surface (reducing connection loss by minimizing misalignment moment).
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule includes: a ferrule main body having: a connection end surface, and fiber holes disposed in a first direction and through which optical fibers are inserted; and a protruding portion protruding from the ferrule main body in the first direction. The connection end surface faces forward in a longitudinal direction of the fiber holes. The protruding portion has a protruding-portion rear surface facing rearward in the longitudinal direction of the fiber holes. A distance in the longitudinal direction between the protruding-portion rear surface and the connection end surface is shorter than a distance in the longitudinal direction between the protruding-portion rear surface and a rear end of the ferrule main body.