Optical Fiber Connector Asymmetric Key Insert Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors lack resistance to undesired angular displacement due to accidental disturbances, which can disrupt the polarization of light beams over time.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features a frame and ferrule configuration with V-grooves and tips that mate to resist rotational forces, ensuring seamless contact and preventing angular displacement, along with additional keys and receptacles for enhanced engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connector designs are used, then the connector can be simple in structure, but the connector is susceptible to undesired angular displacement due to accidental disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing a key insert with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that corresponds to an asymmetric recess in the ferrule. This asymmetric mating structure prevents rotational movement and angular displacement while maintaining a relatively simple overall connector design. The asymmetric geometry ensures that the connector can only be assembled in the correct orientation and resists undesired rotation during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connector is designed to resist rotational forces, then polarization stability is improved, but the mating structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anti-rotation function into a dedicated key insert component that is separate from the main connector body. This key insert with its asymmetric shape and protruding key elements provides rotational resistance specifically, while the rest of the connector maintains a simple structure. The segmentation allows the anti-rotation feature to be added without significantly complicating the overall connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the anti-rotation functionality in the specific region of the key insert and its mating recess, rather than making the entire connector complex. The asymmetric key insert provides localized rotational resistance at the critical interface between connector and ferrule, while other parts of the connector remain simple and easy to manufacture.
3Reliability
If multiple mating members are added to prevent angular displacement, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-rotation key structure with the main connector body by providing the key insert as an integrated or closely-associated component. The asymmetric key insert with its multiple protruding keys is designed as a unified structure that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to adding separate independent components for each anti-rotation feature.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector comprises a frame and a ferrule connectable together. The frame has a key insert inside an interior passage of the frame for mating with the ferrule. The ferrule has a flange configured to mate with the key insert. The flange includes a number of V-grooves, and the key insert has the same number of tips for mating with the V-grooves. For each of two sides of an individual V-groove, at least a portion thereof forms a substantially-seamless contact with a part of an outer surface of an individual tip during mating. Hence, the individual tip is prevented from making a motion in a direction parallel to flange, thereby resisting an undesired angular displacement between the connector and an optical fiber therein to occur due to an accidental rotational force applied to the connector after the frame and the ferrule are connected.