Fiber Endface Microscope with Dual Illumination for APC and UPC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical-fiber connector endface inspection microscopes require separate adapter tips for angled-polished (APC) and non-angled-polished (UPC) connectors, increasing costs and complexity due to the need for distinct illumination paths and alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical-fiber connector endface inspection microscope device with two modes of operation, using distinct illumination paths for APC and UPC connectors, integrated within the microscope housing, allowing a single adapter tip to be used for both types without changing, and incorporating relay optics to adjust illumination angles as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate adapter tips are used for APC and UPC connectors, then inspection quality is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single adapter tip design that can accommodate both APC and UPC connector types through a universal interface. The adapter tip includes a connector interface that accepts various connector types and positions them relative to the illumination source, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapter tips while maintaining inspection quality for both connector types.
2Measurement precision
If angled adapter tips are manufactured for APC connectors, then proper illumination alignment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing the mechanical angled adapter tip design with an optical solution. The illumination source is positioned at an angle relative to the optical axis, and optical elements (mirrors or prisms) are used to redirect the illumination path. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive angled mechanical adapters while achieving the same illumination alignment effect through optical means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapter tips are maintained in inventory, then all connector types can be inspected, but time to change adapter tips increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal adapter tip design accepts both APC and UPC connectors through a single interface, eliminating the need to physically change adapter tips when switching between connector types. The adapter tip includes positioning features that automatically align different connector types with the illumination source, maintaining versatility while eliminating changeover time.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple straight adapter tips are used for UPC connectors, then manufacturing cost is low, but they cannot inspect APC connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter tip is designed with a universal connector interface that can accommodate both UPC and APC connector types. The design includes a connector interface that accepts various connector types and positions them relative to the illumination source, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapter tips while maintaining inspection quality for both connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter tip acts as an intermediary component that interfaces between the microscope and various connector types. It includes a connector interface that accepts both UPC and APC connectors and provides positioning features that align the connector endface with the illumination source, enabling a single adapter tip to serve multiple connector types.
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 cost-effective inspection of both APC and UPC connectors with a single adapter tip, reducing the need for multiple adapter tips and simplifying the inspection process while maintaining high imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
illumination source generating illumination light for illuminating the endface to be inspected in accordance with a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein in said first mode of operation, said illumination light propagates along a first illumination path
Implementation Method 2
relay optics receiving said illumination light for illuminating the connector endface, and configured to deviate said first illumination path so as to illuminate the connector endface in a direction that is substantially normal to an angled-polished connector endface
Data Source
AI summary
There is therefore provided an optical-fiber connector endface inspection microscope device that can support inspection of both angled-polished (APC) and non-angled-polished (UPC) optical-fiber connectors without the need to change the adapter tip. Adapter tips are still needed to adapt the microscope device to different formats of connectors, but they can be small, straight, and low cost, and most of all, they don't need to be changed between APC and UPC connector inspection. This can be achieved using an inspection microscope device comprising two modes of operation, i.e., one for UPC inspection and one for APC inspection, which are associated with distinct illumination paths.