Non-Contact Optical Connector for Contamination-Resistant Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic connectors face issues with signal integrity due to contamination, exposure to harsh environments, and magnetic interference, particularly in applications like MRI machines, leading to performance degradation and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The use of GRIN lenses with non-contacting optics and engineered anti-reflective coatings, combined with cobalt-chromium components, provides a ruggedized connector system that minimizes contamination impact and maintains optical performance in high-magnetic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If physical contact (PC) connectors are used to connect fiber end faces, then optical energy loss is minimized through direct contact, but the end faces are exposed to contamination and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GRIN lenses as intermediary elements between the fiber end faces. These lenses are positioned within ferrules and create a non-contacting optical path, allowing light to be transmitted without direct fiber-to-fiber contact. This intermediary lens system protects the fiber end faces from contamination while maintaining optical coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical contact system with an optical system using GRIN lenses. Instead of relying on mechanical pressure to couple fibers, the system uses optical fields generated by the lenses to transmit energy without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating wear and contamination issues associated with physical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber end faces are exposed to harsh environments, then connector versatility is improved for various applications, but signal integrity degrades due to contamination and magnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ferrules with protective coatings and encapsulation structures that shield the GRIN lenses and fiber end faces from environmental contaminants. These protective shells maintain signal integrity by preventing contamination while allowing the connector to be used in harsh environments including MRI machines with high magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected optical environment within the connector assembly, isolating the critical optical components from the external harsh environment. This inert protective environment maintains signal integrity regardless of external conditions, enabling reliable operation in diverse applications including medical imaging equipment.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded termini are used to press fiber end faces together, then connection reliability is improved, but end face damage occurs due to vibrations and mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The GRIN lenses act as mediators that eliminate the need for spring-loaded pressure mechanisms. The lenses are optically coupled to the fibers and maintain alignment through precise mechanical positioning in the ferrule, without requiring continuous mechanical pressure. This eliminates the wear and damage caused by spring-loaded termini while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs precision-engineered ferrule structures that provide mechanical cushioning and alignment protection before any potential damage can occur. The ferrules are designed to absorb vibrations and mechanical stresses, protecting the delicate fiber-end-face-lens interfaces from damage during handling and operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If GRIN lenses with non-contacting optics are used, then protection from contamination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the GRIN lenses, ferrules, and alignment mechanisms into an integrated assembly. The lenses are precisely positioned within the ferrule structure, combining multiple functions into a single manufactured unit. This integration reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the addition of lens elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the GRIN lens connector assembly to serve multiple functions: optical coupling, mechanical alignment, environmental protection, and contamination isolation. By making the assembly multi-functional, the design avoids the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving comprehensive protection and performance.
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 ensures low-maintenance, high-cycle connectivity with reduced signal loss and reflection, suitable for demanding applications such as MRI systems, by protecting fiber ends and enhancing durability against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting fiber is optically coupled to a first GRIN lens and the receiving fiber is optically coupled to a second GRIN lens
Implementation Method 2
engineered anti-reflective coatings
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical connector including: a plug housing having a pin cavity; a pin disposed at least partially in the pin cavity of the plug housing, the pin comprising at least a pin sleeve; a receptacle housing having a socket cavity; a socket disposed at least partially in the socket cavity, the socket comprising at least a socket sleeve; and an alignment sleeve between said pin and socket, wherein the plug housing, the pin, the pin sleeve, the pin ferrule, the receptacle housing, the socket, the socket sleeve, the socket ferrule, and the alignment sleeve: (i) magnetic permeability that is less than 1.0 B/H, where B is magnetic flux density and H is magnetic flux, and (ii) are configured to perform at least 100,000 mating cycles.