Optical Fiber Ribbon Split Stability via Matrix Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connector systems face challenges in precisely aligning optical fibers with diode arrays on circuit boards due to space and size limitations, requiring additional support structures to maintain the split in the optical fiber ribbon, which complicates assembly and increases the risk of split propagation.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber assembly with a split ribbon matrix that includes a durable ribbon matrix to prevent elongation, allowing the optical fibers to be aligned with the connector's openings without additional support structures, and using indicators to precisely split the ribbon into groups for proper alignment with the diode arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional support structures are added to maintain the split in the optical fiber ribbon, then the split stability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional support structures by extracting the split maintenance function from separate components and embedding it directly into the ribbon matrix material itself, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining split stability
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbon matrix is designed to inherently maintain the split through its own material properties and structural design, eliminating the need for external support structures or additional assembly steps, thus achieving self-service functionality
2Reliability
If additional support structures are added to maintain the split in the optical fiber ribbon, then the split propagation risk is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the split maintenance function from separate support structures and integrates it into the ribbon matrix material, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and simplifying the production process while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbon matrix is designed as a composite material structure that inherently resists split propagation through its material composition and bonding characteristics, eliminating the need for additional support structures and simplifying manufacturing
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ribbon matrix bond strength is increased to prevent split elongation, then the split stability is improved, but the ease of assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the bond strength parameter of the ribbon matrix to an optimal range that provides sufficient split stability during operation while allowing for easy assembly during manufacturing, balancing these two requirements through careful material selection and design
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber assembly including an optical fiber ribbon and an optical connector is provided. The optical fiber ribbon includes a ribbon matrix, a first group of optical fibers embedded in the ribbon matrix, a second group of optical fibers embedded in the ribbon matrix, and a split in the ribbon matrix at a first end of the ribbon forming a space between a first end of the first group of optical fibers and a first end of the second group of optical fibers. The optical connector includes a body, a first array of openings defined in the body, and a second array of openings defined in the body. The second array is spaced from the first array. The bond between the ribbon matrix and the optical fibers prevents elongation of the split.