Fiber Optic Connector With Spring-Loaded Guide Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors require guide pins to pass through the ferrule end face before mating, which can lead to misalignment and increased connection complexity.
Innovation Solution
Employing a displaceable guide pin mechanism that allows for alignment and mating before contact with the ferrule end face, utilizing a spring-loaded system to bias the guide pins forward and enable backward displacement during connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If guide pins are fixed in position during connection, then alignment precision is maintained, but connection complexity increases and misalignment occurs when guide pins contact ferrule end face
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is made displaceable rather than fixed, allowing it to move backward along the longitudinal axis when the connector is mated. This dynamic adjustment enables the guide pin to clear the ferrule end face and engage guide pin holes without causing misalignment, resolving the contradiction between maintaining alignment precision and reducing connection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to bias the guide pin forward to an extended position before connection. This preliminary positioning ensures that the guide pin is ready to engage the guide pin holes immediately upon mating, while the ability to displace backward prevents interference with the ferrule end face, thereby simplifying the connection process without sacrificing alignment precision.
2Measurement precision
If guide pins extend forward to engage guide pin holes, then alignment is achieved, but ferrule end face contact is delayed causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable guide pin mechanism allows the guide pin to extend forward to engage guide pin holes for accurate alignment while simultaneously being able to clear the ferrule end face during insertion. This dynamic movement ensures that alignment occurs at the optimal moment without delay, resolving the contradiction between achieving accurate alignment and minimizing connection time.
3Measurement precision
If guide pins are spring-loaded to extend forward, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded guide pin system is self-actuating, using the insertion force itself to compress the spring and displace the guide pin backward. No additional actuators or control mechanisms are required, allowing the system to achieve precise alignment while minimizing structural complexity through self-service operation.
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
Facilitates precise alignment and simplified connection process by allowing guide pins to mate prior to ferrule contact, reducing misalignment issues and enhancing connection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is configured to yieldably bias the displaceable guide pin forward along a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector
Implementation Method 2
the displaceable guide pin is displaced backward along the longitudinal axis in relation to the ferrule body and resiliently compresses the spring
Data Source
AI summary
In a fiber optic connector, a ferrule body is received in a connector housing. A displaceable guide pin is movable in relation to the ferrule body. A spring yieldably biases the displaceable guide pin forward along a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector. The displaceable guide pin is displaced backward along the longitudinal axis in relation to the ferrule body and resiliently compresses the spring as the fiber optic connector is connected to another fiber optic component. In a multifiber ferrule assembly, a ferrule base is connected to a ferrule body. A displaceable guide pin is movably connected to the ferrule body for movement in relation to the ferrule body along a longitudinal axis between an extended position and a retracted position. A spring between the displaceable guide pin and the ferrule base yieldably biases the displaceable guide pin to the extended position.