Fiber Inspection Tool Manual Magnification Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber inspection tools lack the capability to adjust visual magnification effectively, limiting the ability to accurately view and inspect fiber optic components, particularly when using a cell phone as a test tool.
Innovation Solution
A modular housing system with a threaded or vertical slide adjustment mechanism and additional lenses, allowing for increased magnification and focusing capabilities, enabling precise alignment of the fiber end faces with the camera lens for enhanced visual inspection and photography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cell phone is used as a fiber inspection tool without additional magnification components, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the measurement precision and visual magnification capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the magnification lens system within the protective housing that already contains the cell phone mounting structure. The lens assembly is nested inside the housing module, allowing the magnification function to be integrated without significantly increasing external device dimensions or complexity. This enables improved measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable focus mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the magnification lens position relative to the fiber end face. This dynamic adjustment capability enables users to optimize visual magnification for different inspection scenarios, improving measurement precision while the adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical means that do not greatly increase device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual focus adjustment mechanisms are added to the housing module, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic autofocus systems with simple manual focus adjustment mechanisms. The focus adjustment is achieved through manual rotation of the housing module or adjustment of lens position, which provides ease of operation through direct user control while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of electronic actuators, motors, and control systems. This mechanical approach improves ease of operation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable fiber connector sockets are provided for different fiber types, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the housing module with interchangeable fiber connector sockets that can accommodate different fiber connector types (SC, LC, ST, etc.). The same basic housing structure and magnification lens system serve multiple functions by supporting various connector types, providing adaptability without requiring separate inspection devices for each fiber type. This multi-functionality approach improves adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable through standardized design.
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
Enables improved magnification and focusing, allowing for clearer inspection and documentation of fiber optic components, supporting various fiber connector types and providing a versatile solution for both half and full protection cases.
Implementation Method 1
The magnification lens is focused to magnify an image of a fiber end face to be inspected
Implementation Method 2
The LED is positioned to illuminate the fiber end face
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of this continuation is to increase the viewing magnification of the already issued patent U.S. Pat. No. 11,385,412 B2. By the addition of a module housing that has the capability of allowing for additional magnification, lighting and focusing capabilities. A module housing case is described. The modular housing case includes a fiber optic component housing defined as a cavity and or cavities that are sized to receive a fiber optic connector and or connectors. Within the cavity or cavities is a ferrule guide or ferrule guides. The module housing case also has an internal cavity that is at least partially enclosed. Components to assist in magnification may be disposed at least partially or fully within the internal cavity. Those components can range from a lighting system powered by internal electronics or a system that relies on the cell phone camera flash and or flashlight LED for internal fiber end face lighting. Finally, the module housing case employs a camera lens alignment feature that can be adjusted manually to increase magnification of the field of view by the raising and or lowering of the module housing case.