Multifiber Optical Connector Sequential Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection time for multifiber optical fiber cables is lengthy, and the connection portion requires significant space, making installation inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multifiber optical connector with three position adjustment units for sequential rough and fine alignment of optical fiber end faces, eliminating the need for additional housing and reducing the size of the connection portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fusion splicing or MT connector connection is used to connect optical fibers, then the connection is reliable, but the connection time and labor required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fibers (4-8 fibers) into a single bundled connector unit, allowing simultaneous connection of multiple fibers through one insertion action. This combining approach maintains reliable optical connections while dramatically reducing the time and labor required compared to connecting each fiber individually through fusion splicing or MT connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can handle multiple optical fibers simultaneously. The single connector unit serves the function of multiple individual connectors, providing both mechanical support and optical alignment for bundled fibers, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing connection reliability.
2Reliability
If a closure housing is used to protect connection portions, then the connection is protected, but the installation space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from the traditional large closure housing and integrates it directly into the connector body. The connector itself is designed with protective features, eliminating the need for separate protective enclosures. This extraction reduces the installation space from the size of a closure housing to the compact size of the connector unit alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector employs a nested structure where the ferrule, connection interfaces, and protective elements are integrated in a compact nested arrangement. Multiple functional components are nested within each other, allowing the connector to provide both connection functionality and protection in a space-efficient manner, eliminating the need for external closure housings.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a multifiber optical connector and an optical cable connection method capable of reducing a connection time and reducing an installation space of a connection portion. The multifiber optical connector according to the present invention includes three position adjustment units, and performs rough alignment to fine alignment of optical fiber end faces by using sequentially these position adjustment units when optical cables are connected. The multifiber optical connector simultaneously connects the end faces of the plurality of optical fibers included in the optical cables, and thus, an extra optical fiber tape is not present, and a closure needed in the related art is not necessary.