Optical Fiber Connector Elastic Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors face challenges in achieving precise joining of optical fiber stubs and field optical fibers, leading to inefficiencies in optical coupling and increased Fresnel losses due to evaporation of matching liquids or inconvenient melting processes.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber connector employs a fixing module with a support member, fastening member, and locking member to securely grip the optical fiber, using an elastic member and housing structure to ensure precise alignment and minimize losses, with the end surface of the optical fiber being treated to form a smooth, rounded configuration for improved contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If matching liquid is injected in the optical fiber holder to improve optical coupling quality, then optical coupling quality is improved, but the matching liquid evaporates easily causing reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the matching liquid from the system entirely, replacing it with a mechanical alignment mechanism using precision positioning features and a locking structure that maintains fiber alignment without requiring evaporating liquid materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a positioning structure with precision features as an intermediary mechanism to maintain fiber alignment, replacing the function previously performed by matching liquid
2Loss of energy
If optical fiber stub and field optical fiber are joined by melting to reduce Fresnel losses, then Fresnel losses are reduced, but the joining process becomes inconvenient and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal melting process with a mechanical alignment and securing system using precision positioning features and a locking structure, eliminating the need for heating equipment and complex melting control while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-formed positioning features on the fiber stub that guide and pre-align the field optical fiber before final securing, ensuring precise alignment is achieved through mechanical means rather than thermal melting
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a fixing module and an optical fiber ferrule positioned at an end of the fixing module. The optical fiber connector is used for gripping a cable including an optical fiber. The optical fiber ferrule axially defines a through hole. The optical fiber is gripped in the fixing module and is partly protruded out of the optical ferrule. When the optical fiber connector is assembled to an adapter to join with another optical fiber connector, the optical fiber is bent to elastically resist an optical fiber of the another optical fiber connector.