Fiber Optic Plug Articulated Force Structure Inhibits Ferrule Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic plug connectors face misalignment issues due to sensitivity to insertion forces, leading to insertion loss and reduced bandwidth in optical connections, as the ferrule can be biased angularly during insertion into optical receptacles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an articulated force structure in fiber optic plug connectors that applies a forward force to the ferrule, allowing it to angularly rotate and maintain alignment with the optical receptacle, even when angular biasing forces are applied, thereby preventing misalignment and insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fiber optic plug is designed to have a tight friction fit within the sidewalls of the optical receptacle to maintain a good optical connection, then the fiber optic plug can resist loosening during normal use, but the ferrule becomes sensitive to applied insertion forces and may be biased angularly, resulting in misalignment and insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the ferrule rotatable relative to the plug housing through a bearing mechanism. This allows the ferrule to dynamically adjust its angular position during insertion, accommodating side forces and preventing misalignment while maintaining the tight friction fit for connection stability. The rotatable ferrule transforms from a static to a dynamic component that can adapt to insertion conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structure serves as an intermediary mechanism between the ferrule and the plug housing. It mediates the interaction between the ferrule and insertion forces, allowing relative rotation while maintaining positional control. This intermediary structure enables the ferrule to absorb angular biases without direct transmission to the optical interface, preventing misalignment.
2Force
If the fiber optic plug is designed with enough physical strength to receive an applied insertion force to overcome the sidewall resistance of the optical receptacle, then the plug can penetrate the receptacle, but the ferrule may be biased angularly during insertion, causing misalignment and insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable ferrule design allows the system to dynamically respond to insertion forces. During insertion, the ferrule can rotate to accommodate angular biases caused by side forces, while the bearing structure ensures smooth rotational movement. This dynamic capability allows the plug to receive full insertion force without transmitting angular misalignment to the optical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of angular biasing forces into a beneficial self-alignment mechanism. Instead of rigidly resisting insertion forces that cause misalignment, the rotatable ferrule allows controlled rotation that absorbs these forces and enables the ferrule to self-align with the optical receptacle during insertion, turning potential misalignment into automatic correction.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic plug connectors having an articulated force structure to inhibit angular ferrule biasing are disclosed. An articulated force structure is provided in the fiber optic plugs to apply a forward force to a ferrule of the fiber optic plug, to dispose the fiber optic plug ferrule in close proximity to an optical interface of the optical receptacle to provide an optical connection therebetween. By the articulating force structure providing an articulating forward force to the fiber optic plug ferrule, the ferrule is able to angularly rotate to inhibit angular biasing applied to the fiber optic plug ferrule as a result of inserting the fiber optic plug into an optical receptacle. The articulating force structure providing an articulating forward force to the fiber optic plug ferrule facilitates alignment of the ferrule with the optical receptacle to preserve optical performance.