Multi-Optical Fiber Connector Module V-Groove Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-optical fiber connector modules face challenges in achieving precise alignment of optical fibers with lenses due to fiber 'set' and deformation of V-grooves, leading to misalignment and varying forces on each fiber, which affects optical coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-optical fiber connector module design featuring a chamber with V-grooves and a ridge that allows for a predetermined bend in fiber end portions, ensuring they are preloaded to sit correctly in the V-grooves, aligning their optical axes coaxially with the module's optical axes, using a tool to form precise bends and secure the fibers with minimal force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If V-grooves are used to hold optical fiber ends, then fiber positioning is simplified, but misalignment occurs due to fiber set and V-groove deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a bend in the optical fiber before insertion into the V-groove. This pre-bend compensates for the fiber set that occurs after cable liberation, ensuring that when the fiber is inserted and the bend is released, the fiber end face aligns precisely with the V-groove and optical axis without requiring post-installation adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fiber by introducing a controlled bend radius and bend angle. This parameter change allows the fiber to conform to the V-groove geometry while maintaining alignment, transforming the rigid fiber into a configurable element that adapts to the connector module's optical pathway requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If fibers are pressed into V-grooves to secure positioning, then fiber stability improves, but V-groove deformation occurs causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a bend in the optical fiber before insertion into the V-groove. This pre-bend compensates for the fiber set that occurs after cable liberation, ensuring that when the fiber is inserted and the bend is released, the fiber end face aligns precisely with the V-groove and optical axis without requiring post-installation adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fiber by introducing a controlled bend radius and bend angle. This parameter change allows the fiber to conform to the V-groove geometry while maintaining alignment, transforming the rigid fiber into a configurable element that adapts to the connector module's optical pathway requirements
3Reliability
If fibers are secured in V-grooves with epoxy, then alignment is fixed, but fiber ends may be damaged and alignment precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a bend in the optical fiber before insertion into the V-groove. This pre-bend compensates for the fiber set that occurs after cable liberation, ensuring that when the fiber is inserted and the bend is released, the fiber end face aligns precisely with the V-groove and optical axis without requiring post-installation adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fiber by introducing a controlled bend radius and bend angle. This parameter change allows the fiber to conform to the V-groove geometry while maintaining alignment, transforming the rigid fiber into a configurable element that adapts to the connector module's optical pathway requirements
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 design ensures precise alignment and secure positioning of optical fibers, maintaining coaxial alignment throughout the installation process, enhancing optical coupling efficiency and tolerance for minor misalignments while preventing V-groove deformation.
Implementation Method 1
A predetermined amount of bend, or curve, exists in each fiber end portion between the tips and the rear locations on the fiber end portions that are in contact with the ridge. The bend in each fiber end portion is directed away from the top side of the module body toward the bottom side of the module body. The bends preload the fiber end portions, which causes the tips to properly sit in the respective V-grooves thereby ensuring that optical axes of the tips are coaxially aligned with the optical axes of the respective V-grooves.
Data Source
AI summary
An MF connector module is provided that positions the fiber end portions relative to respective V-grooves of the module in such a way that the fiber end portions can be bent, and thereby loaded, by a predetermined amount when the fiber end portions are being installed in the respective V-grooves. The bending of the fiber end portions ensures that the optical axes of at least the tips of the fiber end portions are parallel to the optical axes of the respective V-grooves. The loading of the fiber end portions caused by the bending ensures that significant lengths of the fiber end portions are tangent to and in contact with the inner walls of the respective V-grooves. This tangential contact between the fiber end portions and the inner walls of the V-grooves causes the fiber end faces to be precisely aligned with the respective optical axes of the MF connector module.