Optical Fiber Alignment with V-Block and Gel Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connection systems face challenges in efficiently aligning and connecting optical fibers without contamination, ensuring precise orientation, and maintaining signal integrity due to limitations in existing alignment and polishing methods.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system includes a fiber optic adapter with a housing and a fiber alignment apparatus featuring V-blocks and gel blocks for precise alignment and cleaning, along with a crimping and polishing tool set for secure and accurate fiber termination, ensuring proper orientation and cleanliness of the fiber ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then the connection process is simpler, but the alignment precision and signal integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment tool with V-blocks and gel blocks that mediates between the fiber optic connector and the adapter. The V-blocks provide mechanical guidance for lateral alignment, while the gel blocks fill gaps and provide vertical positioning, achieving precise alignment without requiring complex automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool is designed to be self-aligning through the inherent geometry of the V-blocks and the elastic properties of the gel blocks. When the fiber connector is inserted, the V-blocks automatically guide it into the correct lateral position, and the gel blocks provide self-adjusting vertical positioning, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual polishing methods are used, then the equipment is simpler, but the fiber end quality and contamination control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polishing tool as an intermediary device that provides controlled polishing action. The tool includes a polishing pad with adjustable pressure application, allowing precise control over the polishing process to achieve high fiber end quality without requiring complex automated polishing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The polishing tool allows dynamic adjustment of polishing parameters including pressure, speed, and pad composition. This enables optimization of the polishing process for different fiber types and contamination levels, achieving high-quality fiber ends through controlled parameter variation rather than fixed complex machinery.
3Ease of operation
If ferrules are used, then fiber alignment is easier, but the risk of contamination and signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the traditional ferrule structure. Instead of relying on ferrules that can harbor contamination, the alignment function is separated into a dedicated alignment tool with V-blocks and gel blocks that makes contact only during the connection process, reducing contamination risk while maintaining alignment ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing alignment features (V-blocks and gel blocks) only where needed at the connection interface, rather than using ferrules that cover the entire fiber length. This localized approach maintains alignment capability at the critical interface while minimizing the surfaces that could accumulate contamination.
4Reliability
If the sheath remains extended, then fiber protection is better, but the connection precision and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic sheath mechanism that can transition between extended and retracted states. The sheath is designed with flexible joints allowing it to extend for fiber protection during handling and storage, then retract during the connection process to provide precise access to the fiber end and alignment features, combining protection and precision in a single adaptable component.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connection system includes a first and a second optical fiber, each with end portions that are terminated by a first and a second fiber optic connector, respectively. A fiber optic adapter connects the first and the second fiber optic connectors. A fiber alignment apparatus includes V-blocks and gel blocks. Each of the fiber optic connectors includes a connector housing and a sheath. The end portions of the optical fibers are positioned beyond distal ends of the respective connector housings. The sheath is slidably connected to the connector housing and slides between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The sheath covers the end portion of the respective optical fiber when the sheath is at the extended configuration and exposes the end portion when at the retracted configuration. The end portions of the optical fibers are cleaned when slid between the V-blocks and the gel blocks.