Optical Fiber Clamping Assembly with Stationary Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior crimp-type optical fiber connectors face issues with fiber alignment and insertion losses due to excessive bending and breakage caused by inadequate clamping mechanisms, which are exacerbated by manufacturing tolerances and the need for precise radial cam surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A clamping assembly with a stable, stationary platform that uses a single radially-moving member to secure the fiber, eliminating the need for radial cam surfaces and reducing the complexity of the connector, thereby improving fiber alignment and minimizing insertion losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional crimp-type connector with two radially actuateable clamping members is used, then the fiber can be clamped, but the fiber-receiving passageway cannot be controlled adequately before actuation, leading to excessive fiber bending and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into two functional parts: a stationary platform that defines the fiber-receiving passageway and provides alignment, and a single radially actuateable member that applies clamping force. This segmentation allows the passageway to be pre-formed for accurate fiber placement while using a simpler single-member actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the clamping members move radially inward to constrict the passageway (prior art approach), the invention inverts the logic by having the passageway pre-defined by a stationary platform and using a single radial member to apply controlled clamping force after the fiber is properly positioned and aligned in the passageway.
2Ease of operation
If pre-actuation force is applied to engage clamping members, then they hold in place, but the fiber-receiving passageway is narrowed excessively making fiber insertion difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber-receiving passageway is pre-formed and defined by the stationary platform before any clamping action occurs. This preliminary structuring ensures the passageway has the correct dimensions and shape to receive and align the fiber properly, while the single radially actuateable member applies clamping force only after the fiber is in place, avoiding excessive narrowing during insertion.
3Reliability
If clamping members are not pressed together sufficiently during installation, then fiber can be inserted, but the fiber-receiving passageway space is excessive causing the fiber to leave the passageway, leading to fiber bending or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The single radially actuateable member, when pressed together with the stationary platform, automatically generates the appropriate clamping force to secure the fiber in the passageway. The mechanism self-regulates the clamping force through the radial movement, eliminating the need for complex multi-member coordination and ensuring sufficient fiber retention without excessive force.
4Reliability
If both clamping members are designed to cam inward during actuation, then fiber can be clamped, but the clamping members cannot be anchored to the ferrule body, causing fiber bending and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having both clamping members cam inward freely (prior art), the invention inverts the approach by making the platform stationary and anchored to the ferrule body, while only the single radially actuateable member moves. This inversion allows the platform to provide stable, anchored alignment during actuation, preventing fiber bending and breakage that occurs when both members are mobile.
5Ease of manufacture
If radial cam surfaces are used in the clamping mechanism, then clamping force can be applied, but the surfaces are exceedingly difficult to manufacture and measure to ensure compliance with tolerance limits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for precision radial cam surfaces by inverting the clamping approach. Instead of using radial cam surfaces to generate clamping force, the design uses a stationary platform with a single radially actuateable member that applies force through a simpler, more manufacturable radial movement, significantly easing both manufacturing and measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex radial cam surfaces are extracted and removed from the design. The clamping function is achieved through a simpler radial member moving against a stationary platform, eliminating the need for precision-machined cam surfaces while maintaining effective clamping force application.
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 provides reliable fiber alignment and secure clamping, reducing insertion losses and the risk of fiber breakage, while simplifying manufacturing and enabling miniaturization and cost reduction through fewer moving parts and planar surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the first cam member is radially actuateable within the housing, the first cam member having a first cam surface; a second cam member disposed in the housing and axially slidable therein, the second cam member having a second cam surface adjacent the first cam surface and configured such that, upon forward motion of the second cam member relative to the first cam member, the first cam member is urged downward as a result of a camming action between the first and second cam surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping assembly having a top and bottom and front and back orientation, at least one optical axis, and a pre-actuated state in which a fiber is not secured to the clamping assembly and a post-actuated state in which a fiber is secured to the clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a platform disposed in the housing and being fixed therein both radially and axially, the platform defining a fiber-receiving channel along the optical axis to receive at least one fiber, at least a portion of the fiber-receiving channel being accessible from the top; (c) a first cam member disposed in the housing above and adjacent to the fiber-receiving channel, the first cam member being radially actuateable within the housing, the first cam member having a first cam surface; (d) a second cam member disposed in the housing and axially slidable therein, the second cam member having a second cam surface adjacent the first cam surface and configured such that, upon forward motion of the second cam member relative to the first cam member, the first cam member is urged downward as a result of a camming action between the first and second cam surfaces; and (e) an actuator disposed slidably within the housing behind and adjacent to the second cam member and configured such that, when moved forward, it forces the second cam member forward relative to the first cam member.