Optical Fiber Connector with Ceramic Ferrule and Elastic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors face challenges in achieving precise and convenient joining of optical fiber stubs and field optical fibers, leading to suboptimal quality of optical coupling and increased Fresnel losses due to evaporation of matching liquids or imprecise melting processes.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber connector design includes a fixing module with a cylindrical optical ferrule, an elastic member, and a fastening mechanism that grips the optical fiber, allowing for precise alignment and secure fastening without the need for joining segments, using a ceramic ferrule and a method to treat the end surface of the optical fiber to minimize defects and enhance coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If matching liquid is injected in the optical fiber holder to join optical fiber stub and field optical fiber, then optical coupling quality is improved, but the matching liquid evaporates easily causing unreliable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the matching liquid from the system entirely, replacing it with a mechanical joining method. The optical fiber stub and field optical fiber are joined through precise mechanical alignment and bonding structures in the optical fiber holder, eliminating the evaporating liquid medium while maintaining connection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical joining method (matching liquid) with a mechanical joining system. The optical fiber holder incorporates precise positioning structures and bonding mechanisms that mechanically secure the optical fibers together, substituting the unreliable chemical adhesive with a stable mechanical connection system.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical fiber stub and field optical fiber are joined together by melting them together, then connection is achieved, but it is not convenient or precise to exactly join the optical fiber stub and the field optical fiber together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning structures in the optical fiber holder that pre-align the optical fiber stub and field optical fiber before joining. The holder contains guiding features and positioning elements that ensure precise alignment is achieved automatically during assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber holder acts as an intermediary component that facilitates precise joining. It contains specialized structures such as bonding cavities, positioning pins, and alignment guides that mediate between the optical fiber stub and field optical fiber, ensuring accurate and convenient joining without requiring direct manipulation of the fibers themselves.
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
This design improves the quality of optical coupling, minimizes Fresnel losses, and ensures secure and precise connection of optical fibers, enhancing data transmission efficiency by maintaining continuous contact and reducing light loss.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (30), and a fastening mechanism that grips the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a fixing module, an optical fiber ferrule positioned at an end of the fixing module, and an optical fiber gripped in the fixing module. The optical fiber ferrule axially defines a through hole. An end surface of the optical fiber includes an arc surface. The optical fiber is received in the through hole of the optical ferrule.