Fusion Spliced Connector With Nested Sleeve Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical splice-on connectors have higher insertion loss due to the mismatch in optical properties between glass and index matching gel, while fusion splice type connectors are not preferred due to the high cost of fusion splice equipment.
Innovation Solution
A fusion splice connector with a protection sleeve that uses mechanical buffer clamps to secure the fusion spliced portion, reducing the need for expensive equipment and minimizing signal loss by fusing glass thermally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical splice-on connectors use index matching gel to transfer signal, then the connector is easy to terminate and does not require expensive equipment, but the optical property mismatch between glass and gel causes higher insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable fusion splice connector that integrates the fusion splicing function into a single-use connector unit. The connector includes a built-in fusion splice protector and positioning features that enable field technicians to perform fusion splicing without expensive permanent equipment, accepting that the connector itself is a consumable item rather than a permanent installation component.
2Loss of energy
If fusion splice type connectors are used to achieve lowest loss connection, then insertion loss is minimized, but the extremely high cost of fusion splice equipment makes it not cost effective for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fusion splice connector unit that bridges the gap between mechanical and fusion splicing. This connector includes integrated positioning features and protection mechanisms that enable field technicians to achieve fusion-grade connections using simplified, lower-cost equipment. The connector acts as a mediator that translates the requirements of fusion splicing into a field-deployable format without requiring expensive permanent installation equipment.
3Device complexity
If fusion spliced fiber is secured in the connector without proper protection, then the connector structure remains simple, but the fusion spliced portion is vulnerable to damage and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested protection structure where an inner protective sleeve is placed within the connector body, and the fusion spliced fiber is positioned within this sleeve. The sleeve includes internal positioning features that nest the fiber securely, while the outer connector structure provides additional protection. This nested arrangement protects the fragile fusion spliced portion without significantly increasing the overall connector complexity.
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 provides a cost-effective fusion splice connector with reduced insertion loss by securing the fusion spliced portion using mechanical buffer clamps, achieving lower signal loss compared to traditional mechanical splice-on connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a short optical fiber fitted to an optical connector ferrule is fusion-spliced with a buffered optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector which houses and holds a fusion spliced portion in which a short optical fiber fitted to an optical connector ferrule is fusion-spliced with a buffered optical fiber. One end of a protection sleeve which reinforces said fusion spliced portion is configured to be coupled to said optical connector ferrule. The protection sleeve has an inner sleeve and a clamping sleeve wherein the inner sleeve is configured to be inserted into the clamping sleeve. The end of the inner sleeve distal from the ferrule is configured to have a clamping feature that is activated when the inner sleeve is inserted into the clamping sleeve.