Multi-Fiber Optical Connector with Fiber Comb Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field mountable multi-fiber optical connectors require significant training and costs due to complex installation processes, such as polishing and alignment, which are challenging and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fiber optical connector design featuring a fiber comb portion with grooves and a ramp section for guiding and aligning fibers, a resilient element for structural support, and an intermediate spring for force distribution, allowing for straightforward fiber insertion and remote gripping, eliminating the need for fiber stubs and index matching gel, and enabling field termination without adhesive use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If field mountable multi-fiber optical connectors are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components including a separate collar body with fiber comb portion, outer housing, and ferrule assembly. This segmentation allows pre-assembly of complex alignment features in the collar body while keeping the main connector body simple for field installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber comb portion with grooves and ramp section provides self-aligning features that guide fibers into proper positions automatically during insertion, eliminating the need for manual polishing and alignment procedures that require extensive training.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fiber alignment and polishing procedures are used, then connection precision is improved, but installation time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar body with fiber comb portion and ramp section is pre-manufactured with precise alignment features and grooves that automatically position fibers correctly during field installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site polishing and alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber comb portion acts as an intermediary structure between the outer housing and ferrule, providing pre-formed guidance grooves that channel fibers into precise alignment positions without requiring manual intervention or polishing equipment.
3Reliability
If adhesive and index matching gel are used for fiber termination, then connection reliability is improved, but installation process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates the need for adhesive and index matching gel from the fiber termination process by using mechanical guidance features in the collar body that provide stable fiber positioning and alignment through physical structure rather than chemical bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp section and grooves in the fiber comb portion create self-aligning mechanical structures that automatically position and secure fibers through geometric constraints, providing reliable connections without requiring adhesive application or gel 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
The connector simplifies the field mounting of multiple optical fibers, reducing installation complexity and costs, while ensuring precise alignment and secure fiber termination, suitable for various applications including data centers and fiber-to-the-home installations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element disposed between the backbone and a rear portion of the collar body
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate spring element disposed at a front portion of the collar body. In some aspects, the intermediate spring element has a compression value of about 340 gram force to about 740 gram force
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple optical fiber connection apparatus comprises an outer housing to receive a plurality of optical fibers and a collar body disposed within the housing having a fiber comb portion disposed at a front portion of the collar body. The fiber comb portion includes an array of grooves, with each groove configured to guide an optical fiber disposed therein, and a ramp section adjacent the groove array, wherein the ramp section including a gradual rising portion.