Optical Fiber Cable Holder for Stable Coupling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cable assemblies face challenges in maintaining stable optical coupling efficiency due to difficulties in accurately positioning and fixing optical fibers, which can lead to displacement and breakage during installation, resulting in unstable optical coupling with optical devices.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber cable design featuring a holder that transitions optical fibers from a first array to a second array, maintaining a consistent positional relationship, which facilitates easy alignment and attachment to optical devices, thereby stabilizing optical coupling efficiency and enabling automation in the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are manually positioned and fixed during installation, then optical coupling efficiency can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and prone to displacement and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pre-configured with positioning structures (grooves, clamps, or adhesive areas) that automatically guide and fix the optical fibers in the correct positions during attachment to the optical device. This preliminary preparation of the holder eliminates the need for time-consuming manual positioning and fixing operations, while ensuring reliable optical coupling efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If optical fibers are held in a fixed array configuration, then alignment with optical devices is simplified, but the holder structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional regions: a first holding area that maintains the optical fibers in a first array configuration, and a second holding area that maintains the optical fibers in a second array configuration. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall alignment process while managing structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder enables transition of optical fibers from a first array (e.g., 2D grid arrangement) to a second array (e.g., linear or different 2D pattern) that matches the optical device configuration. This dimensional transformation capability simplifies alignment by providing the correct fiber arrangement directly, while the holder's internal structure manages the complexity of this transformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder accommodates transition from first array to second array, then adaptability to different optical devices is improved, but the holder design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pre-designed with integrated positioning structures and transition mechanisms that automatically guide optical fibers from a first array configuration to a second array configuration. This preliminary design of the transition path and positioning features enables the holder to adapt to different optical device requirements without requiring complex real-time adjustments or additional components.
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 solution ensures stable optical coupling efficiency between optical fibers and devices, allows for easier alignment, and automates the attachment process, while also enabling downsizing and flexible design options for the optical fiber cable.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion is configured to hold the first extending parts in a manner that a mutual positional relationship among the second extending parts keeps the same state as a mutual positional relationship among the first extending parts at the second portion
Implementation Method 2
a lens member configured to install the second extending parts thereon. The lens member optically couples the plurality of the optical fibers with the photoelectric conversion device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cable is disclosed. The optical fiber cable comprises an optical cable including optical fibers and a sheath where the optical fibers are arranged in a first array, and a holder. The optical fibers have first extending parts that extend outside from the sheath, and second extending parts that extends from the first extending parts to the tips of the optical fibers. The holder comprises a first portion that houses therein transition portions where the first extending parts transitions from the first array to a second array, and a second portion that holds parts of the first extending parts in the second array. The second portion is configured to hold the first extending parts in a manner such that a mutual positional relationship among the second extending parts keeps the same state as a mutual positional relationship among the first extending parts at the second portion.