Fiber-Optic Harness Testing Using Electrical Intermediaries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-optic testing methods face challenges in maintaining reference quality termini end faces, are time-consuming, require multiple personnel, and are prone to damage due to the use of optical cables, which are susceptible to breakage and interference.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-optic testing apparatus using electrical cabling instead of optical cabling, with embedded lasers and LEDs in standard fiber optic style termini that do not require direct contact with optical cables, allowing for easier handling and reduced susceptibility to damage, and a method to retrofit termini for an analyzer using electrical cabling to interface with fiber-optic harnesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical cables are used in fiber-optic testing apparatus, then testing accuracy is maintained, but susceptibility to breakage and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical cables as an intermediary medium to replace direct optical cable connections. The test lead connector with embedded optically active elements (lasers/LEDs) and photodetectors acts as a mediator that converts electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa, eliminating the need for fragile optical cables while maintaining testing functionality through electrical signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical connection system with an electrical connection system. Instead of using optical cables that are prone to physical damage, the invention uses robust electrical cables to transmit signals, substituting the vulnerable optical-mechanical interface with a more durable electrical interface that is less susceptible to breakage during handling and transport
2Reliability
If multiple personnel are required to manage optical test cables, then cable damage is reduced, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test lead connector incorporates self-contained embedded optically active elements (lasers, LEDs, photodetectors) directly within the connector housing. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate optical cable management, as the optical functionality is integrated into the electrical connector itself, allowing single-person operation without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical testing functionality with the electrical connector by embedding optically active elements directly within the test lead connector. This combination integrates the previously separate optical cable management functions into the electrical connection system, simplifying the overall apparatus and reducing personnel requirements
3Measurement precision
If repeated measurements are performed to account for dirty end faces, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded optically active elements within the test lead connector act as intermediaries that eliminate the need for direct end-face contact between test equipment and fiber optic connectors. By transmitting optical signals through embedded components rather than requiring clean end-face mating, the system maintains measurement accuracy without the time-consuming need for repeated measurements to account for contamination
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 improves the ease, speed, and accuracy of fiber-optic harness testing, reduces the risk of damage, and allows single-person operation, while being more robust and cost-effective, with reduced likelihood of induced loss or breakage.
Implementation Method 1
Each test lead connector terminus includes a ferrule having an end face portion, an aperture extending into the end face portion, and an optically active element including a light-transmitting and/or light-receiving element
Implementation Method 2
embedded lasers and LEDs in standard fiber optic style termini
Implementation Method 3
an optically active element including a light-transmitting and/or light-receiving element, which is positioned within the aperture and which includes one or more electrical conductors extending therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic harness testing apparatus and method of forming termini for a harness testing apparatus, are provided. The apparatus can include an analyzer to determine an attenuation value between an electrical form transmit test signal and an electrical form return test signal to determine an attenuation across one or more optical fibers of a fiber-optic harness under test, and a plurality of electrical test leads each including a test lead connector adapted to mechanically and optically interface the electrically conductive test leads and the analyzer with the fiber-optic harness under test. Each test lead connector can include a set of test lead connector termini. Each test lead connector terminus can include an optically active element to optically interface with a corresponding fiber-optic harness connector terminus positioned in one or more of the connectors of the fiber-optic harness under test.