Fiber Optic Connector Rear Cap for Centered Epoxy Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for terminating fiber optic cables in connectors often inadvertently adhere portions of the fiber to other parts of the connector, restricting its movement and leading to potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design incorporating an end cap that centers the optical fiber during epoxying, allowing radial movement and serving as a strain relief, minimizing adherence to connector sides and ensuring freedom of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If epoxy is used to adhere the fiber to the ferrule, then the fiber is securely fixed, but portions of the fiber may inadvertently adhere to other parts of the connector, restricting movement and causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is segmented into multiple functional zones: a ferrule reception area, a fiber insertion area with tapered walls, and a rear cap area. This segmentation creates spatial separation between the epoxy application zone and other components, preventing inadvertent adhesion while maintaining secure fiber-to-ferrule bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered connector housing walls act as an intermediary structure between the ferrule and the rear cap. This intermediate geometry provides a gradual transition zone that guides the fiber into proper position while preventing contact with surfaces that could cause unwanted adhesion
2Ease of operation
If the fiber is allowed to move freely in the connector housing, then radial movement is maintained, but the fiber may inadvertently adhere to the sides of the housing during epoxying
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing exhibits local quality variations through its tapered geometry, with wall thickness and angle changing along the axial direction. The tapering creates zones with different functional properties: a wider insertion zone for easy fiber placement and a narrower rear zone for strain relief, maintaining movement freedom while ensuring connection stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system and method for connecting an optical fiber to a ferrule. The system and method facilitate the process of epoxying the optical fiber in a manner that avoid inadvertently adhering the fiber to the side of a connector housing, which can result in breakage of the optical fiber when in the field. The system and method provide a mechanism for easily epoxying the optical fiber to the ferrule while still allowing for some radial movement of the optical fiber within the connector housing, which is desirable. The system and method incorporate an end cap that centers the optical fiber in the connector housing during the connection process and also acts as a strain relief when in the field.