Fiber Optic Connector Spring Mechanism for Axial Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic connectors in communication systems often disconnect or experience signal degradation when subjected to axial loads, leading to disengagement of ferrule end faces and loss of optical connection.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector system with a latching arrangement and spring mechanism that keeps ferrule assemblies in contact, even under axial load, by allowing the ferrules to move to a minimum extension position where the spring compresses fully, preventing disconnection and maintaining optical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is used to bias the ferrule assembly in a distal direction, then the ferrule can be easily pushed into the connector housing, but the ferrule disengages when axial load is applied to the fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent parts: a first connector with a first spring and a second connector with a second spring. Each spring independently biases its respective ferrule assembly, allowing the system to handle axial loads without disengagement while maintaining ease of insertion for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bias force parameter is optimized to balance two conflicting requirements: sufficient force to easily insert the ferrule into the connector housing during assembly, but not so much force that the ferrule disengages when axial load is applied to the fiber during operation.
2Reliability
If the ferrule end faces are pressed together to maintain optical connection, then signal transmission is maintained, but the connector cannot accommodate axial load without disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into two independent connectors, each with its own spring mechanism. This segmentation allows the optical connection to be maintained through the ferrule end faces while each spring independently manages the axial load on its respective side, preventing disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are pre-loaded to provide a cushioning bias force that maintains contact between the ferrule end faces under normal conditions. When axial load is applied, the springs absorb this load through compression, preventing the ferrule end faces from disengaging and thus maintaining optical connection continuity.
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
Ensures continuous optical connection and prevents signal degradation by maintaining contact between ferrule end faces under axial load conditions, enhancing the reliability of fiber optic connections.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is used to bias the ferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a fiber optic connector system. The fiber optic connector system includes two fiber optic connectors that each have a ferrule assembly mated together within a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector system includes end faces of the ferrule assemblies that remain in a contacted state when an axial load is applied to an optical fiber of one of the two fiber optic connectors. As such, an optical connection remains between the two fiber optic connectors even when one connector is retracted from the other connector.