Fiber Optic Connector Assembly Jig for Epoxy Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic connector manufacturing using epoxy-based resins for fiber retention within ferrules is inefficient due to the need for manual filling, leading to imprecise epoxy application, potential fiber breakage, and epoxy leakage, resulting in quality control issues and waste.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector assembly jig that aligns ferrules with a robotic or manual injector device, utilizing alignment elements and a base plate to ensure precise and repeatable epoxy injection into ferrules, minimizing waste and improving production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual filling of epoxy into ferrules is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and productivity deteriorate due to imprecise epoxy application and time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a jig as an intermediary device that mediates between the manual operator and the ferrule epoxy application process. The jig includes alignment elements with openings that precisely position the ferrule relative to the epoxy injection needle, ensuring accurate epoxy application without requiring complex automated equipment. This intermediary structure enables precise manufacturing while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
2Device complexity
If manual filling of epoxy into ferrules is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The jig performs preliminary alignment of the ferrule with the epoxy injection needle before the actual epoxy application. The alignment elements with precisely dimensioned openings pre-position the ferrule, ensuring that when epoxy injection begins, the needle is already correctly positioned. This preliminary alignment action streamlines the overall process, reducing total operation time and improving productivity without requiring complex automated systems.
3Device complexity
If manual filling of epoxy into ferrules is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to fiber breakage and epoxy leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The jig acts as an intermediary that ensures reliable fiber optic connector quality by precisely controlling the epoxy application process. The alignment elements with specifically designed openings maintain correct positioning of the ferrule relative to the injection needle, preventing epoxy leakage and fiber breakage. This intermediary structure provides the mechanical guidance needed to achieve high reliability without complex automated equipment.
4Device complexity
If manual filling of epoxy into ferrules is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases due to epoxy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The jig serves as an intermediary that minimizes epoxy waste by ensuring precise application. The alignment elements with precisely dimensioned openings guarantee that the epoxy is injected exactly where needed within the ferrule, preventing overflow and leakage. This mechanical guidance system reduces material waste without requiring complex automated dispensing equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector assembly jig may comprise a base configured to carry a set of fiber optic connectors. A set of alignment elements may be carried by the base, where each alignment element of the set of alignment elements may define an opening, where each opening may be configured to center a corresponding fiber optic connector of the set of fiber optic connectors with a longitudinal axis of the opening.