Mechanical Transfer Ferrule Optical Switch With Integrated Lens Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switches face challenges in reducing assembly complexity and increasing reliability by simplifying the assembly requirements of fiber tube assemblies and lenses, which are typically complex and require precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-fiber connector with a unique optical fiber tube unit and lens assembly, allowing for two-dimensional movement and alignment using a controller to position the optical fiber tube unit relative to a multi-fiber connector, reducing the need for multiple fiber tube assemblies and lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fiber tube assemblies and lenses are used in optical switches, then optical signal switching can be achieved, but assembly complexity increases and reliability decreases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fiber tube assembly and lens into a single integrated connector assembly. The lens is directly mounted on the connector body, eliminating the need for separate lens alignment procedures. This merging of components reduces the number of alignment steps from multiple separate alignments to a single integrated alignment process, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining optical performance and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical connection, optical coupling, and alignment reference functions simultaneously. The connector body serves as both the mechanical interface and the lens mounting platform, eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures or reference structures. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and the number of parts requiring precise alignment.
2Productivity
If multiple fiber tube assemblies and lenses are used, then complete optical channel coverage is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical switch into modular connector assemblies, where each connector handles specific optical channels. This segmentation allows for standardized, pre-assembled connector units that can be quickly installed and replaced. The modular design enables parallel assembly processes for different connectors, increasing overall productivity while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is pre-mounted and pre-aligned on the connector body during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit with built-in alignment references. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field alignment procedures and reduces installation time. The connector arrives at the installation site as a complete, pre-calibrated unit, allowing for rapid deployment and reducing the skill level required for installation.
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 approach enhances the reliability and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining precise alignment, resulting in a mechanical transfer ferrule based optical switch with reduced optical losses and minimal wavelength and polarization dependency.
Implementation Method 1
a lens operable with the optical fiber tube to transmit light through the optical fiber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In some examples, a mechanical transfer ferrule based optical switch may include an optical fiber tube unit connectable to an end of an optical fiber. The optical fiber tube unit may include a lens to transmit light through the optical fiber. An optical fiber tube unit positioning assembly may include an optical fiber tube unit support detachably connectable to the optical fiber tube unit, and an optical fiber tube unit guide to operatively position the optical fiber tube unit support relative to a multi-fiber connector. The optical fiber tube unit guide may align the optical fiber tube unit and the lens to a specified lens of the multi-fiber connector, and connect the optical fiber to a specified optical fiber channel.