Optical Fiber Connector with Spherical Tip and Liquid Refractive Index Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connection structures face issues with cracks in optical fibers due to direct abutment in clamp portions and require efficient methods to maintain optical connections with irregularities on fiber tips, while also preventing air interposition that increases connection loss.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber connection structure employs a solid refractive index matching material on the tip of one fiber and a liquid refractive index matching agent between a base and cover member, allowing the fibers to be held and fixed, with the solid refractive index matching material formed in a partially spherical shape to prevent cracks and facilitate optical connection even with irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat tip surface perpendicular to the optical axis is used for the built-in optical fiber, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but cracks occur on the edge portion when irregularities on the insertion-side fiber tip abut against it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by forming the tip surface of the built-in optical fiber with a spherical shape (specifically, a hemisphere or spherical cap) instead of a flat surface. This curved surface allows irregularities on the insertion-side fiber tip to abut against the center portion rather than the edge, preventing cracks while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard fiber preparation techniques.
2Ease of operation
If the tip of the insertion-side bare optical fiber directly abuts on the rear end surface of the built-in optical fiber, then alignment is simple, but cracks occur on the outer circumference of the rear end surface
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical tip surface of the built-in optical fiber redirects the contact point from the edge to the center when the insertion-side fiber abuts against it. This geometric modification maintains the simplicity of direct abutment operation while eliminating the crack-prone edge contact, thereby improving reliability without complicating the operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air is interposed between the tip of the insertion-side bare optical fiber and the solid refractive index matching material, then the structure allows separation, but connection loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid refractive index matching agent as an intermediary substance that fills the gap between the insertion-side fiber tip and the solid refractive index matching material. This liquid mediator maintains optical contact and reduces connection loss while still allowing the fibers to be separated and reconnected, thus preserving adaptability.
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 configuration effectively prevents cracks in optical fibers, improves the efficiency of optical connections, and maintains stable contact without requiring precise alignment or close contact between fibers, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the optical connection process.
Implementation Method 1
a solid refractive index matching material which is provided on a tip surface of a first optical fiber, wherein the first optical fiber and a second optical fiber which is optically connected to the first optical fiber via the solid refractive index matching material
Implementation Method 2
the entire solid refractive index matching material and the tip of the second optical fiber are disposed in a liquid refractive index matching agent which is provided between the base member and the cover member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connection structure is provided, in which a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, which is optically connected to the first optical fiber via a solid refractive index-matching material which is provided on a tip surface of the first optical fiber, are held and fixed between a base member and a cover member, a tip of the second optical fiber is disposed so as to come into contact with the solid refractive index matching material or separated from the solid refractive index-matching material, and the entire solid refractive index matching material and the tip of the second optical fiber are disposed in a liquid refractive index matching agent which is provided between the base member and the cover member.