Optical Fiber Stub Removable Cap for Ferrule Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical fiber stubs in telecommunication systems face challenges with contamination and mechanical damage at the outer end of the ferrule, which are difficult to clean or repair due to a permanently secured receptacle cap, leading to reduced performance and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A removable receptacle cap design with a threaded interface and alignment sleeve allows for easy cleaning and re-polishing of the optical ferrule end, along with a vent or slot to manage gases during the sealing process, ensuring a resilient hermetic seal and reducing manufacturing and repair costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the receptacle cap is permanently secured over the optical fiber stub, then the alignment sleeve maintains proper positioning, but the end face of the optical ferrule becomes difficult to clean or repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidcleanability of ferrule end

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle cap is divided into a permanent portion (alignment sleeve integrated with stub) and a removable portion (cap that can be detached), allowing the alignment function to remain while enabling access to the ferrule end for cleaning and repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle cap transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic removable structure, allowing it to be taken off when cleaning or repair is needed and reattached when not needed, thus providing both alignment stability and maintenance access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the receptacle cap is permanently secured, then manufacturing is simplified, but maintenance costs increase due to inability to clean or re-polish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle cap is segmented into permanent and removable portions, maintaining manufacturing simplicity for the permanent portion while enabling cost-effective maintenance through the removable portion that can be replaced or cleaned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a hermetic seal is created during glass sealing, then protection is improved, but gases created during sealing can damage the seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic seal protectionVSAvoidgas damage to seal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vent hole is introduced as an intermediary element that allows gases to escape during the sealing process, preventing gas accumulation and damage to the hermetic seal while maintaining the protective function of the seal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11480739B2Optical fiber stub having a demountable insulating receptacle cap with an alignment sleeve and, alternatively, a vent hole

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 OPTICAL FIBER PACKAGING LTD

AI summary

Optical fiber stub having a first end and a second end, and a base on an outer surface of the stub body. A receptacle cap having a tubular body with a locking end and a receiving end, wherein an inner surface of the locking end includes an inner rim for receiving and securing a clip therein. A polymer insulating insert having a first plurality of clips on a first side and a second plurality of clips on the second side, wherein the first plurality of clips are configured to clip onto and secure the polymer insulating insert to the base of the stub body, and the second plurality of clips are configured to clip onto and secure the polymer insulating insert to the inner rim within the locking end of the receptacle cap.