Fiber Optic Interface With Movable Ferrule For Consumer Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic interface devices are not suitable for consumer electronic devices due to their large size, sensitivity to environmental debris, and limited mating cycles, which contrasts with the frequent connections and varied environments encountered by consumer electronics.
Innovation Solution
A compact fiber optic interface device with a moveable ferrule and resilient member, designed for high mating cycles, that includes gradient-index (GRIN) lenses for optical fiber support and alignment, and a rear-biased ferrule position for easy cleaning, suitable for consumer electronic devices with size and environmental constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiber optic interface devices are used, then optical connection reliability is improved, but device size becomes too large for consumer electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the ferrule (containing optical fibers) from the housing body, allowing the ferrule to be small and movable while the housing provides structural support. This segmentation enables compact overall device size while maintaining reliable optical connections through the dedicated ferrule component.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule is nested within the housing structure, with the resilient member nested within the housing interior. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining all necessary functional elements for reliable optical connection.
2Reliability
If conventional fiber optic interface devices are used, then insertion loss is reduced, but the number of mating cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is made movable relative to the housing through the resilient member, transitioning from a static to a dynamic configuration. This dynamics allows the ferrule to be pulled forward for cleaning access while being pushed back for mating, enabling repeated mating cycles without permanent deformation or misalignment that would limit durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member changes its elastic state (compressed vs. relaxed) to control ferrule position. This parameter change allows the ferrule to move between forward-biased (cleaning) and rear-biased (mating) positions, accommodating both cleaning requirements and mating cycle durability needs through reversible elastic deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional fiber optic interface devices are used, then optical precision is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable ferrule design allows the precision optical component to dynamically change position between a rear-biased mating position (where precision alignment is maintained) and a forward-biased cleaning position (where the ferrule tip becomes accessible). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by separating the spatial requirements of precision operation and cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary that couples the cleaning action (forward pull) with the mating function (rearward push). By using this elastic intermediary, the system achieves both cleaning accessibility and optical precision without direct mechanical conflict between the two functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If consumer electronic devices are designed for frequent mating cycles, then adaptability is improved, but susceptibility to environmental debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is pre-loaded in a compressed state, creating a forward bias on the ferrule before mating occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the ferrule is already positioned forward for easy cleaning access, and the cleaning action can be performed before mating to prevent debris contamination, thus protecting against environmental debris while maintaining high mating cycle adaptability.
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 provides a reliable, compact, and durable fiber optic interface capable of frequent connections in diverse environments, ensuring stable optical and electrical connections while facilitating cleaning to prevent contamination issues.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed within the housing interior and configured to forward-bias the ferrule toward the housing front end when the fiber optic interface device is unmated
Data Source
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AI summary
Fiber optic interface devices (20, 320) for electronic devices (300) are disclosed. A plug-type fiber optic interface (20) has an axially moveable multi-fiber ferrule (100) that supports optical fibers (52) or a combination of optical fibers and gradient-index lenses (600). A resilient member (150) serves to provide the ferrule with forward-bias and rear-bias positions relative to a recessed front end (22) of a housing (21). A fiber optic interface assembly (570) that includes mated plug and receptacle fiber optic interface devices (20, 320) is also disclosed.