Multi-fiber Connector Spring Winding Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-fiber optical connectors experience misalignment losses due to same-direction wound springs causing opposite torques when mated, leading to rotational misalignment and increased losses.
Innovation Solution
The use of connectors with springs wound in opposite directions and the incorporation of a washer or zero rotation springs, such as wave or dual wind springs, to minimize rotational misalignment by balancing torques and ensuring precise alignment of optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If springs in both connectors are wound in the same direction, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the springs generate opposite torques when mated that cause rotational misalignment and increase losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by winding springs in opposite directions in male and female connectors. This inversion causes both springs to generate torques in the same rotational direction when mated, which eliminates the counter-rotational effect that previously caused misalignment. The solution transforms the harmful opposite torque interaction into a beneficial aligned torque interaction.
2Device complexity
If traditional same-direction wound springs are used, then the connector design is straightforward, but rotational misalignment occurs leading to increased insertion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the spring winding direction in one of the connectors (male or female). This simple directional reversal changes the torque interaction from counter-rotational to co-rotational, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving precise fiber alignment and reducing misalignment losses.
3Reliability
If springs are used to bias ferrules together, then physical contact is achieved to minimize Fresnel loss, but the springs cause rotational torque that misaligns the fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the necessary spring biasing for physical contact but inverts the winding direction of one spring to reverse its torque direction. This allows the springs to continue providing the essential forward biasing force for ferrule contact while eliminating the harmful rotational torque that caused misalignment.
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
This configuration reduces misalignment losses by ensuring that the springs' opposing wind directions balance each other's torque, maintaining precise alignment and minimizing rotational effects, thereby enhancing the efficiency of optical fiber connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for biasing the multi-fiber ferrule in a forward direction relative to the connector body
Implementation Method 2
the springs' opposing wind directions balance each other's torque
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fiber optical connector system including a first and a second multi-fiber connector configured to mate with one another. The multi-fiber connectors include a connector body having a front end and a rear end, a multi-fiber ferrule having a face accessible at the front end of the connector body and a spring for biasing the multi-fiber ferrule in a forward direction relative to the connector body. The spring is configured so that the first and second ferrule rotate with one another or do not rotate when the ferrule is biased forward.