Optical Fiber Connector Ferrule With Segmented Bore And Flexible Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connectors face challenges in achieving solid adhesion between the optical fiber and ferrule due to difficulties in evenly filling adhesive agents, which can lead to displacement and deformation of the fiber wire, especially when the inner diameter of the ferrule's axial hole is not optimally matched with the fiber's jacket diameter.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible tube around the ferrule with a proximal-end-side extended part having an inner diameter larger than the fiber's jacket but smaller than the ferrule's axial hole, allowing for improved alignment and adhesive filling without displacing the optical fiber, and potentially formed from materials with thermal contractility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the inner diameter of the first axial hole is set approximately equal to the outer diameter of the jacket, then the first axial hole can effectively function as a guide, but it becomes difficult to evenly fill the adhesive agent around the fixed region
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is divided into two distinct axial holes: the first axial hole with a larger inner diameter for adhesive filling, and the second axial hole with a smaller inner diameter for precise fiber alignment. This segmentation allows each hole to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The first axial hole acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates adhesive agent delivery to the fixed region. By providing a larger diameter passage, it enables complete and even adhesive filling while the second axial hole maintains the precise alignment function
2Ease of manufacture
If the inner diameter of the first axial hole is made extremely larger than the outer diameter of the jacket, then the adhesive agent can be easily filled in, but decreased is the function of the first axial hole as the guide
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is divided into two distinct axial holes: the first axial hole with a larger inner diameter for adhesive filling, and the second axial hole with a smaller inner diameter for precise fiber alignment. This segmentation allows each hole to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the ferrule are given different functional qualities: the first axial hole is designed with a larger diameter to provide easy adhesive access, while the second axial hole is designed with a smaller, more precise diameter to maintain guiding and alignment functions
3Ease of manufacture
If the inner diameter of the first axial hole is made too large, then the adhesive agent can be easily filled in, but the axial position of the fixed region may be displaced with respect to the axial position of the second axial hole
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is divided into two distinct axial holes: the first axial hole with a larger inner diameter for adhesive filling, and the second axial hole with a smaller inner diameter for precise fiber alignment. This segmentation allows each hole to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The first axial hole is designed as a separate, larger-diameter passage that copies the guiding function of the second axial hole but optimizes it for adhesive delivery. This allows the adhesive filling process to be decoupled from the alignment function
4Manufacturing precision
If the inner diameter of the first axial hole is set approximately equal to the outer diameter of the jacket, then the first axial hole can effectively function as the guide, but it becomes difficult to evenly fill the adhesive agent into the distal end of the first axial hole
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is divided into two distinct axial holes: the first axial hole with a larger inner diameter for adhesive filling, and the second axial hole with a smaller inner diameter for precise fiber alignment. This segmentation allows each hole to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The first axial hole acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates adhesive agent delivery to the fixed region. By providing a larger diameter passage, it enables complete and even adhesive filling while the second axial hole maintains the precise alignment function
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a housing, a ferrule, a bias member and a flexible tube. The ferrule is formed with a first axial hole of a first inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of a jacket of an optical fiber and a second axial hole that is communicated to a distal end of the first axial hole and that has a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter and larger than an outer diameter of a fiber wire of the optical fiber. The flexible tube is inserted around the proximal end side of the ferrule so that at least a part thereof is extended toward the proximal end side than the ferrule to form a proximal-end-side extended part. The proximal-end-side extended part has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the jacket and smaller than the first inner diameter.