Multicore Fiber Alignment Block with Tapered Capillary

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in achieving low insertion loss for multicore fiber connectors, which is essential for data communication applications, due to difficulties in precise rotational alignment and fiber management.

Innovation Solution

The development of an alignment block with a capillary structure that provides a close-fitting front opening and a loose-fitting rear opening, allowing for precise rotational alignment of multicore fibers, thereby reducing insertion loss by limiting rotational misalignment to within ±1.5 degrees.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a tight-fitting capillary is used throughout the entire length, then rotational alignment precision is improved, but fiber insertion difficulty and potential damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational alignment precisionVSAvoidfiber insertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The capillary is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with a first inner diameter providing tight fit for alignment, and a second section with a second inner diameter providing loose fit for insertion. This segmentation allows each section to serve its specific function optimally without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the capillary are given different local qualities (inner diameters) suited to their specific functions. The first section has tight-fitting quality for alignment precision, while the second section has loose-fitting quality for easy insertion, avoiding the need for a uniformly tight or loose design throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a loose-fitting capillary is used, then fiber insertion ease is improved, but rotational alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber insertion easeVSAvoidrotational alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The capillary is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with a first inner diameter providing tight fit for alignment, and a second section with a second inner diameter providing loose fit for insertion. This segmentation allows each section to serve its specific function optimally without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the capillary are given different local qualities (inner diameters) suited to their specific functions. The first section has tight-fitting quality for alignment precision, while the second section has loose-fitting quality for easy insertion, avoiding the need for a uniformly tight or loose design throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If rotational misalignment is not controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment control complexityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The capillary structure provides self-aligning functionality through its tapered geometry and dual inner diameter design. As the fiber is inserted through the tapered section, it is automatically guided and rotated into proper alignment with the alignment surfaces, eliminating the need for external alignment control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The capillary acts as an intermediary element between the fiber and the alignment block. It mediates the alignment process by providing contact surfaces that guide the fiber into correct rotational position, reducing insertion loss without requiring complex external alignment systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9360634B2Structures and techniques for aligning a multicore fiber in a ferrule or production jig

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 OFS FITEL LLC

AI summary

An alignment block for aligning a multicore fiber has a body with a front face and a rear face, and includes a capillary extending between a front opening at the first face and a rear opening at the rear face. The capillary has an inner circumference that includes an alignment surface corresponding to the multicore fiber alignment surface. The front opening is shaped to fit closely around the multicore fiber so as to prevent non-longitudinal movement of the multicore fiber relative to the alignment block body. The rear opening is shaped to fit around the multicore fiber so as to allow a selected amount of non-longitudinal movement of the multicore fiber relative to the alignment block body. The capillary provides tapered transition between the rear opening and the front opening. Movement of the multicore fiber along the capillary causes the multicore fiber alignment surface to be urged against the capillary alignment surface so as to align the multicore fiber cores relative to the alignment block body.