Fiber Optic Ferrule Spring Pad Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-fiber optic connectors experience reduced effectiveness due to off-axis moments caused by uneven spring force distribution on the fiber optic ferrules, leading to separation of mating faces and impaired light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic ferrule design featuring a main body with a mating surface in a perpendicular plane and pair of spring pads with engagement surfaces in a single plane, positioned either on the sides or top and bottom, to minimize the area of contact with the spring, reducing off-axis moments and ensuring consistent pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring contacts the rear face of the fiber optic ferrule to bias it forward, then the ferrule is positioned correctly for mating, but off-axis moments are created causing the ferrule faces to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring contact surface is segmented into multiple discrete contact points (first and second contact points) rather than a continuous surface. This segmentation allows the spring to apply force at specific locations that minimize off-axis moments while maintaining effective mating plane contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pads are positioned at specific locations on the rear face of the ferrule body rather than distributed across the entire surface. This localized contact approach ensures that the spring force is applied at optimal points to reduce off-axis moments while maintaining reliable mating contact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring contacts other portions of the rear face of the ferrule, then the ferrule can be retained in the connector, but off-axis moments are created causing separation of ferrule faces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring contact interface is divided into discrete contact points on the rear face, allowing the spring to engage the ferrule at specific locations that simultaneously provide retention and minimize off-axis moments that would separate the mating faces.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact parameters are changed by specifying exact locations for spring contact points on the rear face, optimizing both the retention force and the moment distribution to prevent mating plane separation.
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 design enhances the stability and effectiveness of the mating plane contact, reducing off-axis moments and maintaining the alignment of fiber optic ferrules, thereby improving light transmission across the connector interface.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a front end and a back end, the front end of the spring engaging only the engagement surfaces of the pair of spring pads
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic ferrule includes on a rear surface thereof a pair of spring pads, each of the pair of spring pads having an engagement surface facing away from the fiber optic ferrule to engage a spring to eliminate off-axis moments. A fiber optic connector is also provided that uses the fiber optic ferrule. The engagement surface could be flat or rounded.