Holder for Fusion Splicing Apparatus Protecting Optical Connector Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optical connector ferrule and short optical fiber are prone to damage during handling and alignment in fusion splicing operations, as existing solutions require manual removal from a housing case, which can cause breakage and complicate the fusion splicing process.
Innovation Solution
A holder that protects the optical connector ferrule and short optical fiber by housing the plug frame with a foldable lid member and V-groove positioning system, allowing for secure alignment and integration with a fusion splicing apparatus without the need for manual removal, thereby preventing external shocks and simplifying the fusion splicing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical connector ferrule is housed in a housing case for protection, then the protection from external shocks is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for manual removal
Solution Approach 1:
The holder integrates both the protection function (housing case) and the alignment function (V-groove positioning system) into a single device. The V-groove is formed directly on the holder body, eliminating the need for separate protection and alignment steps, thus maintaining protection while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the housing case and the fusion splicing apparatus. It receives the plug frame from the housing case and provides the alignment function through its V-groove, serving as a bridge that eliminates the need for manual handling and transfer of the fragile ferrule
2Measurement precision
If manual removal of the plug frame from the housing case is required for alignment, then the alignment precision can be achieved, but the risk of damage increases due to handling
Solution Approach 1:
The V-groove positioning system is pre-formed on the holder body before the plug frame is placed. This preliminary preparation of the alignment structure eliminates the need for manual handling and alignment operations, thus preventing damage while ensuring precise alignment of the optical connector ferrule
Solution Approach 2:
The holder's V-groove automatically positions and aligns the plug frame when it is placed in the holder. The alignment function is self-executing through the geometric constraint of the V-groove, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of damage during the alignment process
3Ease of operation
If the holder integrates both protection and alignment functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a single integrated component rather than multiple separate parts. The V-groove is formed directly on the holder body, eliminating the need for additional alignment fixtures or mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while providing both protection and alignment functions
Data Source
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AI summary
A holder capable of protecting an optical connector ferrule from an external shock, or the like and executing a fusion-splice of a short optical fiber not to take out the optical connector ferrule from the holder is obtained. A holder 51 for holding a connector plug 10 equipped with an optical connector ferrule 7 and for protecting a short optical fiber 5 fitted to the optical connector ferrule 7 and the connector plug 10, wherein, when the short optical fiber 5 together with the holder 51 is fitted to a fusion splicing apparatus 71 that fusion-splices the short optical fiber 5 and other coated optical fiber 3, the short optical fiber 5 extended from the plug frame 9 is positioned in a fusion position.