Low-Profile Reusable Multi-Fiber Splicing Connectors for Conduit Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors, particularly multi-fiber connectors, face challenges in deployment and alignment within conduits due to their size and lack of efficient splicing mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in optical coupling and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile multi-fiber reusable mechanical splicing system featuring a bare fiber optic connector with a retractable shroud, outboard springs, and a separate release key, allowing easy deployment through conduits and secure optical alignment using a multi-fiber adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional multi-fiber connectors are used, then optical coupling is achieved, but deployment through inner ducting in conduits is difficult due to size
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate modular components: a connector body, a fiber holder, and a retractable shroud. This segmentation allows the fiber holder to be pulled through conduits independently while the shroud provides protection during deployment, resolving the contradiction between compact size for deployment and structural integrity for reliable optical coupling.
2Manufacturing precision
If ferrules are used to support optical fibers, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment function from traditional ferrules and implements it through a specialized fiber holder with precision alignment features. This extracted approach maintains alignment precision while reducing overall connector complexity by eliminating the need for traditional ferrule structures and their associated mating mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective shrouds are added to protect fiber ends, then contamination resistance is improved, but ease of deployment through conduits is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to be extended for protection during deployment and retraction for access during operation. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing contamination protection when needed while maintaining ease of deployment when the shroud is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is pre-positioned to protect fiber ends before deployment begins. This preliminary protective action ensures contamination resistance is established in advance, while the shroud's design allows it to be pulled through conduits without excessive friction or resistance.
4Productivity
If reusable mechanical splicing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber holder incorporates self-aligning features and retention mechanisms that automatically guide and secure fibers during splicing operations. This self-service capability increases splicing productivity by eliminating complex manual alignment procedures while keeping the overall system relatively simple through inherent design features.
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
Facilitates easy deployment and secure optical coupling of multi-fiber connectors within conduits, reducing contamination risks and enhancing alignment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
first and second outboard springs for biasing the shroud to a forward position relative to the connector body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a bare fiber connection system that includes first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors that have a low profile and are mounted in a multi-fiber adapter. The multi-fiber fiber optic connectors are bare fiber connectors that each include a connector body and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the connector body. The bare fiber connection system includes a latching arrangement for securing the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors respectively in first and second adapter ports. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors and the multi-fiber adapter lacking integrated structures for releasing the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors from the first and second adapter ports. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a release key that is separate from the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors and the multi-fiber adapter for releasing the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors from the first and second adapter ports of the multi-fiber adapter.