Fiber Optic Connector with Spring-Loaded Take-Up Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient field-terminatable fiber optic connector assembly that can securely terminate optical fibers while minimizing damage and ensuring proper alignment and adhesion, as existing solutions often result in suboptimal bend radii and length configurations that can damage fibers.
Innovation Solution
The assembly includes a ferrule assembly with a spring mechanism, a tube with varying inner diameters, and a V-groove chip with a heat-responsive adhesive, allowing for axial movement and secure attachment of optical fibers within a carrier system that supports and secures the fibers with a crimp tube and adhesive, ensuring proper alignment and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact connector design is used, then the device size is reduced, but the fiber bend radius may be compromised causing fiber damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional regions: a first region for the ferrule assembly with the optical fiber, a second region for the tube, and a third region for the spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - the tube region provides adequate space for the fiber to maintain proper bend radius while the overall connector remains compact through efficient spatial arrangement of the segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is positioned in a third dimension (axially between the ferrule and tube) rather than occupying lateral space. This dimensional arrangement allows the connector to maintain a compact footprint while providing sufficient fiber movement range and bend radius through the axial positioning of components along the longitudinal axis.
2Reliability
If the fiber is securely attached, then connection reliability is improved, but the alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The V-groove chip is pre-positioned in the carrier to define the precise location where the optical fiber should be placed. The fiber is inserted into the V-groove before the adhesive is applied, ensuring proper alignment is established first. This preliminary positioning action guarantees both alignment precision and subsequent secure attachment through the heat-responsive adhesive that bonds the fiber to the V-groove chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-groove chip serves as an intermediary element between the fiber and the adhesive. It provides a precise mechanical reference for fiber positioning while also serving as the surface to which the heat-responsive adhesive bonds. This intermediary structure ensures that the fiber maintains proper alignment while achieving secure attachment through the adhesive mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If the tube inner diameter is reduced, then the connector compactness is improved, but the fiber movement range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the ferrule assembly to move axially within a range defined by the spring's compression and extension. This dynamic positioning enables the fiber to accommodate movement while maintaining proper bend radius, even within the constraints of a compact tube inner diameter. The spring compensates for the reduced space by providing mechanical compliance.
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 enables secure field termination of optical fibers with reduced risk of damage by maintaining optimal bend radii and alignment, while maintaining a compact design, ensuring reliable and efficient fiber optic connections.
Implementation Method 1
a V-groove chip with a heat-responsive adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a spring disposed in the bore between the ferrule assembly and the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector, defining a longitudinal bore extending through the connector and having a first end region and a second end region, includes a ferrule assembly, having an optical fiber extending through the connector, at least partially disposed in the longitudinal bore at the first end region, a tube, defining a passage and having a first end portion disposed in the longitudinal bore at the second end region and a second end region, and a spring disposed in the bore between the ferrule assembly and the tube. The carrier includes a cable end and a connector end engaged with the connector, a termination region disposed between the connector end and the cable end, a fiber support region disposed between the connector end and the termination region, and a take-up region disposed between the connector end and the fiber support region.