Floating Ferrule Optical Fiber Connector for Lower Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single mode optical fiber connectors experience significant signal losses due to misalignment of fibers caused by manufacturing tolerances, which are not easily corrected in the field, necessitating pre-terminated cables and skilled technicians for splicing.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber connector design featuring a ferrule assembly with a polygonal biasing member that allows the ferrule to float and rotate to optimize alignment with a mating ferrule, using a hexagonal or polygonal spring to maintain the ferrule in a tuned position, reducing signal transmission losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional rigid ferrule connectors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but signal transmission loss increases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the ferrule assembly movable relative to the carrier through a floating mechanism. The ferrule can shift position and rotate to achieve optimal alignment with the mating ferrule, transforming from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This resolves the contradiction by allowing alignment optimization without requiring complex pre-positioning manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the self-aligning ferrule mechanism that automatically adjusts its position to minimize signal loss. The floating ferrule assembly naturally seeks the optimal alignment position when mated, eliminating the need for complex external tuning equipment or skilled technician intervention during field installation.
2Reliability
If ferrule alignment is optimized to minimize signal loss, then transmission quality improves, but the connector becomes more complex requiring tuning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The floating ferrule mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability that simplifies the overall system. Instead of complex pre-tuned rigid structures, the dynamic floating design allows the ferrule to automatically achieve optimal alignment during connection, improving reliability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameters of the ferrule from fixed to variable. The ferrule can move along the connector axis and rotate to optimize alignment, transforming the connection from a static parameter state to a dynamic one that adapts to manufacturing tolerances and external forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ferrule is fixed rigidly in the carrier, then structural simplicity is maintained, but alignment optimization under mechanical stress becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The floating ferrule assembly creates a dynamic mounting system that adapts to mechanical stress and external forces. The ferrule can shift and rotate in response to applied forces while maintaining connection, providing adaptability without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-aligning floating ferrule mechanism automatically compensates for misalignment caused by mechanical stress or manufacturing variations. The ferrule naturally adjusts its position to maintain optimal alignment, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex mounting structures.
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 connector minimizes signal losses by ensuring precise alignment and flexibility against external mechanical loads, maintaining optimal contact between fiber ends, even under stress, thus improving connectivity and reducing insertion and return losses.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to be disposed between the ferrule basket and the carrier, rotationally fixed with the ferrule assembly, and rotationally fixed with the carrier. The biasing member includes a rear portion configured to be received in an engagement structure defined by the rear sleeve and a front portion configured to be received on an engagement portion of the ferrule basket, and the biasing member is configured to bias the ferrule assembly toward a front abutment surface of the carrier along a connector axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector for achieving reduced signal transmission losses includes a ferrule basket portion configured to hold a ferrule portion and be disposed in one of a plurality of predetermined tuning positions, a carrier portion configured to engage the ferrule basket portion, and a polygonal biasing member configured to engage the ferrule basket portion and the carrier portion so as to maintain the ferrule basket portion at one of the plurality of predetermined tuning positions and mitigate against signal transmission losses between the ferrule portion and a mating ferrule when the ferrule basket portion is at the one of the plurality of predetermined tuning positions.