Multi-Core Fiber Connector Protrusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-core fibers face challenges in securing consistent pressing force for all cores during connection due to curved or spherical end faces of connectors, which can lead to incomplete physical contact.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure with a ferrule that ensures a specific protrusion height difference (Δ) and radius (a) relationship, allowing for certain physical contact between multi-core fibers, and optional flat-portions to minimize protrusion margin differences, ensuring all cores are pressed with sufficient force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the multi-core fiber tip is polished for protrusion to secure pressing force for the center core, then the center core can be pressed with sufficient force, but the surrounding cores cannot be pressed with required force due to curved end face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a flat portion at the tip of the multi-core fiber that specifically addresses the pressing force distribution issue. The flat portion has a predetermined area that ensures uniform contact pressure across all cores (both center and surrounding cores) when connected, rather than having a uniformly curved end face. This localized flat region provides the necessary pressing force distribution that the overall curved shape cannot achieve alone.
2Length of moving object
If the end face of the multi-core fiber becomes a curved surface due to polishing, then the fiber tip protrudes from the ferrule end face, but the surrounding cores cannot maintain physical contact with the connection target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized flat portion at the tip of the multi-core fiber with specific dimensional parameters. This flat portion has a predetermined area that ensures uniform contact pressure distribution across all cores during connection. The flat region compensates for the curved end face geometry, providing the necessary manufacturing precision for consistent physical contact of all cores with the connection target.
3Reliability
If a flat portion is formed at the tip of the multi-core fiber, then uniform pressing force can be applied to all cores, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the dimensions of the flat portion (area, depth, and position relative to the ferrule end face). By optimizing these parameters, the flat portion achieves reliable physical contact for all cores without requiring excessive complexity in the overall structure. The parameter optimization ensures that the flat portion is just sufficient to provide uniform pressing force while maintaining compatibility with standard connector geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, a connector structure comprises a multi-core fiber and a ferrule. The multi-core fiber comprises a plurality of cores and a cladding that surrounds the cores. The ferrule holds the multi-core fiber. A tip of the multi-core fiber protrudes from an end face of the ferrule. A relation Δ≦14.8/a is satisfied. In the formula, Δ (μm) is a difference between a maximum protrusion height and a minimum protrusion height from an end face of the ferrule in a reference circle at the tip of the multi-core fiber. The reference circle is a minimum circle that includes all mode field diameters of the plurality of the cores having a center of cross section of the multi-core fiber as its center. And a (μm) is a radius of the reference circle.