Multi-fiber Connector Spring Push for Side Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-fiber fiber optic connectors are sensitive to side loading, which can lead to signal loss and misalignment due to the inability of the ferrule to float and maintain physical contact when side forces are applied, especially when terminating ribbon cables with optical fibers arranged in a planar array.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a spring push mechanism with enhanced seating and stability features that allow the ferrule to float and tilt during side loading, ensuring continued physical contact and minimizing signal loss by accommodating movement of the optical fiber ribbon along its non-preferred bending direction within a connector boot with a larger opening than the ribbon array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the connector uses a rigid structure to maintain alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ferrule cannot float and tilt during side loading, causing signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidside loading tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is designed with a floating ferrule mechanism that allows the ferrule to dynamically adjust its position and tilt angle in response to side loading forces. The spring-loaded structure enables the ferrule to float within the connector body, transitioning from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adaptive connection that maintains optical alignment under various loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spring push is made more compliant to allow ferrule floating, then side loading tolerance is improved, but spring seating stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside loading toleranceVSAvoidspring seating stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring push structure incorporates localized rigid support features including a flanged portion with lateral engagement surfaces and a shoulder structure. These local rigid elements provide stable seating positions for the spring while the overall spring mechanism remains compliant enough to allow ferrule floating and tilting movements during side loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The spring push is divided into distinct functional segments: a compliant spring portion that allows floating movement, and a rigid flanged portion with lateral engagement surfaces that provides stable seating. This segmentation enables different parts of the same component to have different mechanical properties - compliant where needed for floating, rigid where needed for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector body is enlarged to accommodate ferrule movement, then side loading tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule floatabilityVSAvoidconnector body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating ferrule mechanism is nested within the existing connector body structure. The ferrule moves within a defined cavity in the connector body, and the spring push is nested within the same space. This nested arrangement allows ferrule floating and tilting movements without significantly enlarging the overall connector footprint, maintaining compactness while enabling adaptive movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effectively reduces signal loss and maintains effective communication under side loading conditions by allowing the ferrule to pivot and maintain contact, balancing spring seating and ferrule floatability within the limited space of the connector body.

Implementation Method 1

spring push including features to enhance spring seating and spring stability during side loading

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11256036B2Multi-fiber connector for use with ribbon fiber optic cable

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multi-fiber fiber optic connector having a connector body, a multi-fiber ferrule supported at a distal end of the connector body, a spring for biasing the multi-fiber ferrule in a distal direction and a spring push retaining the spring and the ferrule within the connector body. The spring push including oppositely positioned spring support shelves that provide spring seating and provide spring stability during side loading.