Optical Fiber Connector Inspector With Integrated 2D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic connector inspection devices are not adequately equipped to handle multi-fiber connectors with multiple rows, requiring cumbersome external adaptive devices for two-dimensional scanning, which are difficult to operate and inefficient for inspecting multiple endfaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical fiber connector inspector with integrated two-dimensional scanning functionality, allowing the imaging axis of the microscope to shift in both X and Y directions within the inspector body, enabling efficient alignment and inspection of multi-fiber connector endfaces using a single hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external adaptive device is used to enable two-dimensional scanning of the microscope imaging axis, then the inspector can inspect multi-row multi-fiber connectors, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the two-dimensional scanning functionality directly into the inspector body by providing an integrated adaptive device with first and second swinging levers, replacing the need for separate external adaptive devices. This merging of functions into a single unified system reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to inspect multi-row multi-fiber connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated adaptive device is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables two-dimensional scanning of the imaging axis, interfaces with various multi-fiber connectors, and works with the microscope assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, thereby reducing device complexity while improving adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If an external adaptive device is used for two-dimensional scanning, then multi-row connector inspection is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult operation
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the adaptive device into the inspector body, the system combines the microscope assembly, swinging levers, and scanning mechanisms into a single unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for operators to manually coordinate multiple separate devices, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining multi-row inspection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated adaptive device is designed to be self-aligning and self-adjusting through its mechanical structure. The first and second swinging levers automatically position the imaging axis to align with different rows and columns of endfaces, reducing the operational burden on the user and improving ease of operation
3Measurement precision
If the imaging axis is shifted in two mutually perpendicular directions, then alignment with each endface is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs circular arcs centered at the ferrule surface for the scanning paths of the imaging axis. This curved trajectory design allows the imaging axis to systematically cover all endfaces in multi-row connectors while maintaining constant radius, simplifying the mechanical implementation compared to complex Cartesian positioning systems and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses two swinging levers that rotate about perpendicular axes to achieve two-dimensional scanning of the imaging axis. This mechanical approach using rotational dimensions simplifies the complexity compared to linear positioning systems, as rotation about fixed centers is mechanically simpler than coordinated linear movements
4Ease of operation
If a single hand operation is enabled for the inspector, then ease of operation improves, but the scanning capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated adaptive device incorporates self-aligning mechanisms where the first and second swinging levers automatically position the imaging axis to align with different endfaces. This self-service capability allows a single operator to control the two-dimensional scanning function without requiring manual adjustment of multiple parameters, thereby maintaining full scanning capability while enabling single-hand operation
Data Source
AI summary
A connector inspector includes a microscope assembly, a supporting tray, a main frame, and a fitting tip. The microscope assembly is placed within the supporting tray with a bottom cylindrical protrusion inserted into a base plate of the supporting tray, and the supporting tray is coupled with the main frame with a pair of pivoting joints. The microscope assembly is horizontally biased by a spring and an adjusting knob, set between the main frame and the microscope assembly. The microscope assembly is vertically biased by a spring and an adjusting knob, set between the main frame and the microscope assembly. Thus, the microscope assembly may be swung to shift the imaging axis in two dimensions. The design of enables the inspector to be used with just one hand. See-through windows are formed on the sides of the fitting tip for monitoring the shifting of the imaging axis.