Integrated Fiber Adapter Sleeve Retention for Coaxial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber adapters face issues with collimation performance due to assembly errors causing non-coaxial alignment of sleeve retaining members, which affect the parallel alignment of optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber adapter features a housing with a retaining member integrally formed within a chamber, a retaining cover plate, and a ceramic sleeve, where the retaining member has a third opening for inserting the ceramic sleeve, allowing it to float freely and ensuring coaxial docking of optical fibers, thereby improving alignment performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sleeve retaining members are used for alignment assembly, then the structure can accommodate optical fibers, but assembly errors cause non-coaxial alignment affecting collimation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sleeve retaining members into a single integrated retaining member with a through-hole that passes through it. This unified structure eliminates the alignment errors between multiple separate components while still providing the necessary accommodation for optical fibers, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is segmented into functional zones: a first receiving cavity for the first optical fiber, a second receiving cavity for the second optical fiber, and a through-hole for insertion. This segmentation allows the single component to perform multiple functions while maintaining precise coaxial alignment throughout the structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ceramic sleeve is placed within through-holes of sleeve retaining members, then optical fibers can be accommodated, but assembly errors prevent free floating and affect collimation
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the through-hole directly into the retaining member structure, the patent creates a unified system where the ceramic sleeve can freely float without being constrained by misaligned multiple components. This merged structure ensures reliable collimation performance while maintaining the ability to accommodate optical fibers.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single retaining member with through-hole is used, then coaxial alignment is ensured, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single retaining member is segmented into distinct functional regions: first and second receiving cavities for different optical fibers, and a through-hole for insertion. This internal segmentation allows the single component to achieve precise coaxial alignment while managing structural complexity through functional organization rather than multiple separate parts.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber adapter, relating to field of optical communication and comprising: a housing with a chamber having a first and second chamber connected with each other and respectively with two opposite ends of the housing; a retaining member integrally formed with the housing and provided within the first chamber, which is enclosed to form an receiving cavity having a first and second openings at one and other ends, respectively, and a third opening extending along a length direction of the retaining member; a retaining cover plate for detachably connecting to the retaining member to seal the third opening; and a ceramic sleeve provided within the receiving cavity and adjacent to the retaining cover plate, which has a third chamber connected with the first and second opening, and is limited within the receiving cavity. The retaining member is an integrated structure, improving the collimation performance of the adapter.