Fiber Optic Connector Inspection Using Digital Boroscope Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connector inspection methods, particularly video scopes, offer limited field of view and resolution, making it difficult to detect contamination along the entire end face and length of the ferrule, and often require multiple tools for different connector types.
Innovation Solution
A handheld boroscope tool with a flexible wand, light source, and lens, mounted with an adapter that can adjust focus and fit various fiber optic connectors, providing a wider field of view and higher inspection quality, allowing inspection of the entire ferrule end face and length with a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If video scopes with 100-200× magnification are used for inspection, then protection for the user's eye is provided through indirect viewing, but resolution of debris and contamination is lower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical magnification system with a digital imaging system. A camera captures images of the fiber end face, which are then displayed on a screen with digital zoom capability. This substitution allows high-resolution imaging without the limitations of optical magnification, achieving both eye protection and high debris resolution simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the fiber end face by capturing an image with a camera. This digital copy can be viewed, analyzed, and zoomed into on a screen without requiring optical magnification. The digital copy preserves all visual information while allowing flexible viewing and analysis, resolving the contradiction between protection and resolution.
2Ease of operation
If hand-held inspection devices with limited field of view are used, then portability is maintained, but contamination along the entire end face and ferrule length cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a limited 2D field of view to a comprehensive 3D inspection capability. The camera and lighting system captures the entire end face and ferrule length in a single view or through panning, providing a complete visual map of the connector. This dimensional expansion allows detection of contamination anywhere on the connector while maintaining handheld portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device is designed to inspect multiple areas of the connector (end face, ferrule length, various zones) with a single device. The universal design allows one handheld unit to perform comprehensive inspection of the entire connector assembly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and expanding the effective inspection field of view.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video inspection scopes are used for different connector types, then inspection coverage for various connector configurations is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal inspection device that can accommodate multiple connector types (LC, SC, ST, etc.) through a single handheld unit. The device uses a standardized mounting mechanism that allows different adapter types to be attached to the same camera system, enabling one device to perform inspections across all connector configurations, thereby reducing the number of tools needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is segmented into modular components: a universal camera body and interchangeable adapter modules for different connector types. This segmentation allows the core inspection technology to remain constant while only the adapter portion needs to be changed for different connectors, simplifying the overall system compared to having multiple complete inspection devices.
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
The device enables high-quality inspection of fiber optic connectors with a wider field of view than traditional video scopes, ensuring effective detection of contamination across the entire end face and length of the ferrule, and can be used with multiple connector types without the need for multiple tools, at a low cost.
Implementation Method 1
a light source mounted within the wand
Implementation Method 2
a lens mounted within the wand and configured to focus on the fiber optic connector
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector inspection device includes a boroscope tool, a wand operably connected to the boroscope tool, a light source and a lens. The light source and the lens are mounted at about an end of the wand. The lens is movable relative to the connector to be inspected. The system provides for observing images on a screen operably connected to the boroscope tool. A method for inspecting the radial face and axial face of a fiber optic ferrule is also disclosed.