Field Terminated Fiber Optic Connector With Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors face challenges in efficiently and reliably connecting polymer optical fibers, particularly in field installations, where mechanical termination and secure engagement of multiple fibers are critical to prevent damage and ensure stable communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A field-installable fiber optic connector with a mechanical termination assembly featuring a first and second clamp member, supported by a housing with ferrules and springs, and a damper to manage connection forces, allowing for secure termination and reduced risk of fiber damage during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical termination assembly is used to secure multiple polymer optical fibers, then the connection reliability is improved, but the risk of fiber damage due to over-clamping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed with elastomeric material properties that allow it to deform under compression force. This parameter change in the clamp material enables the clamping force to be applied securely to hold the fibers while the elastomeric deformation prevents excessive force that would damage the fibers, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and fiber damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material in the clamp member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the clamping force before it reaches the fibers. This beforehand cushioning prevents over-clamping damage while maintaining secure fiber retention, addressing both the need for reliable connection and the risk of fiber damage
2Ease of operation
If a field-installable connector design is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing component, a mechanical termination assembly with clamp members, and elastomeric cushioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling modular assembly and field installation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material in the clamp members provides self-adjusting cushioning that automatically adapts to the fiber bundle without requiring precise manual adjustment. This self-service characteristic simplifies field installation while the integrated multi-component design manages the inherent complexity through functional specialization
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 solution enables reliable, secure connections of multiple polymer optical fibers, minimizing the risk of fiber damage and ensuring stable optical communication networks by using a mechanical termination assembly with a damper to manage connection forces and prevent over-clamping.
Implementation Method 1
Each spring engages the mechanical termination assembly at a respective one of the ferrules for biasing the ferrules in a forward direction from the mechanical termination assembly
Implementation Method 2
The damper is deformable upon application of a reaction force by the springs upon connection of the optical connector to another optical device to permit the mechanical termination assembly to move in a rearward direction relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A field installable fiber optic connector for use with polymer optical fibers includes a housing that releasably connects to another optical device. A mechanical termination assembly is located in the housing to mechanically terminate a plurality of individual fibers of the polymer optical fibers. Ferrules are supported by the housing. Each ferrule is positioned to receive one of the individual fibers from the mechanical termination assembly.