Fiber Optic Jack With Alignment Sleeve For Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The broadcast industry lacks an efficient method to route optical signals, as existing technologies primarily rely on copper jacks for electrical signal transmission, which are inadequate for the increasing use of optical signals.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic jack with four ports, featuring a reflector and alignment mechanisms, allows for accurate optical signal routing by enabling both normal and interrupt modes, facilitating the connection and diversion of optical signals between multiple fiber optic connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If copper jacks are used for signal transmission, then electrical signals can be routed, but optical signal transmission capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission mechanism (copper jack) with an optical signal transmission mechanism (fiber optic connector). The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule with optical fiber, alignment sleeve, and housing that enables optical signal routing instead of electrical signals, directly substituting the transmission medium and mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic jack is designed to perform multiple functions: it can route optical signals between different ports, enable monitoring of optical signals through the monitor port, and support both through-connection and monitoring modes. This multi-functionality addresses the adaptability requirement while maintaining reliability through dedicated optical pathways.
2Measurement precision
If fiber optic connector is designed with alignment mechanisms, then optical signal routing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the ferrule and the housing. It provides a precision-bored bore that guides and aligns the ferrule containing the optical fiber, achieving accurate optical alignment without requiring complex alignment mechanisms in the housing itself. The alignment sleeve simplifies the overall structure while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the housing for structural support, the alignment sleeve for precision alignment, and the ferrule for holding the optical fiber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the alignment sleeve handling alignment tasks independently, thereby reducing the complexity burden on other components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic jack with multiple ports is implemented, then optical signal routing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jack housing is designed with multiple ports (input, output, and monitor ports) that share common structural elements and alignment mechanisms. The same alignment sleeve and ferrule assembly approach is used for each port connection, allowing standardized manufacturing processes to be applied across multiple ports, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fiber optic jack for routing optical signals. In another aspect, the present invention provides a fiber optic connector with accurate alignment that may be used with, among other things, the fiber optic jack.