Fiber Optic Connector Compress Body for Reduced Fiber Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connectors are complex to install in the field due to their size and require specialized equipment, and they often result in fiber buckling that leads to optical losses and mechanical unreliability, especially when trying to connect optical cables closer to subscribers in communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector design featuring a ferrule body with a compress body that applies compression force externally through a receptacle, reducing fiber bending and allowing for smaller connector size by using a (pre-)buckled fiber principle, which compensates for length tolerances and provides reliable ferrule/fiber end face compression without the need for spring-loaded mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fiber optic connectors are used, then optical cables can be connected, but the connector size is large and installation requires specialized equipment and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate modular components: a connector body, a ferrule body, and a compress body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall installation process by enabling pre-assembly of the ferrule and compress body in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The compress body is designed to be self-compressing through a ratcheting mechanism that automatically applies and maintains compression force on the ferrule body without requiring external specialized equipment. The mechanism self-regulates to maintain proper fiber end-face contact pressure.
2Reliability
If conventional connectors are used in field installation, then connections can be made, but fiber buckling occurs leading to optical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule body and compress body are pre-assembled in the field before final connectorization. This preliminary action allows the fiber to be properly positioned and the compress body to be installed while the cable is still accessible, preventing subsequent fiber buckling that would cause optical losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The compress body dynamically adjusts the compression force parameter applied to the ferrule body through its ratcheting mechanism. This controlled parameter change ensures optimal fiber end-face contact pressure is maintained without excessive force that could cause buckling or damage.
3Force
If spring-loaded mechanisms are used for ferrule compression, then fiber end face compression is achieved, but connector size increases and mechanical stress resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded compression mechanism is extracted and replaced with a rigid compress body that applies compression force through a ratcheting engagement mechanism. This removes the need for bulky spring elements while maintaining the necessary ferrule compression force through a more compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spring-based mechanical system is replaced with a rigid body ratcheting mechanism. This substitution achieves the same compression function through a different mechanical principle, resulting in a smaller connector size and improved resistance to external mechanical stress.
4Ease of operation
If larger connector size is used, then more space is available for fiber routing, but installation becomes more difficult and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into modular components that can be pre-assembled, the design reduces the volume of the final installed connector while maintaining adequate space for fiber routing during the pre-assembly process. The separated ferrule body and compress body allow for compact final configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design optimizes the spatial arrangement of components by utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. The ferrule body is positioned within the compress body in a configuration that minimizes overall volume while ensuring proper fiber routing paths are available during installation.
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 simplifies field installation, reduces optical losses, and enhances mechanical reliability by minimizing fiber bending during signal distribution while allowing for a smaller connector size and increased stress resistance, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Implementation Method 1
The compress body is configured to exert a force to the ferrule body so that the end face of the ferrule body is moved in a forward direction away from the connector body, when an external force is applied to an outer surface of the compress body
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector comprising a connector body that can receive the optical cable and a complimentary receptacle. Fiber optic connector comprises a ferrule body having a passageway to guide an optical fiber of the optical cable, and a compress body being arranged between the connector body and the ferrule body. The compress body has a hollow area to receive the optical fiber. The compress body is configured to exert a force to the ferrule body so that the end face of the ferrule body is moved in a forward direction away from the connector body, when an external force is applied to an outer surface of the compress body. Methods of making assemblies are also disclosed.