Optical Fiber Cable Connection Structure for Oblique Fiber Splicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting optical fiber cables fail to efficiently connect optical fibers that extend obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction, leading to improper connections and increased splice loss.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure and manufacturing method that involves dividing optical fibers into bundles, using optical resins or self-assembled optical waveguides to maintain a shaving margin, and optically connecting the fibers through a light-transmissive optical path, ensuring proper alignment and connection even when fibers are not parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fibers are simply abutted after cutting, then connection speed is improved, but connection precision deteriorates for obliquely extending fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical resin as an intermediary substance between the cut surfaces of optical fibers. This resin fills the gap created by oblique extension, allowing the fibers to be optically connected without direct surface-to-surface contact. The resin's light transmissive properties enable proper optical connection while accommodating the oblique angle, thus resolving the contradiction between fast connection and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the connection medium by using a light-transmissive optical resin instead of direct mechanical contact. The resin can be applied in a liquid or semi-liquid state and then cured to form a solid bond, allowing for adjustment of the connection parameters such as gap filling and alignment tolerance. This parameter change enables both speed and precision in connecting oblique fibers.
2Device complexity
If optical fibers extending obliquely are connected without special measures, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical resin serves as a mediator that compensates for the oblique extension of fibers without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. By simply applying the resin to the cut surfaces and allowing it to cure, the system achieves reliable optical connection while maintaining structural simplicity. The resin fills the gap and provides optical continuity despite the angle mismatch.
3Ease of manufacture
If direct abutting of cut surfaces is used, then manufacturing process simplicity is improved, but splice loss increases for non-parallel fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The optical resin intermediary maintains manufacturing simplicity by being applied through straightforward coating or injection processes, while simultaneously eliminating splice loss caused by air gaps in oblique connections. The resin's refractive index matching with the optical fiber core ensures minimal optical loss, and its gap-filling capability eliminates the need for precision alignment that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the connection interface by introducing a material with appropriate refractive index properties. This parameter change transforms the connection from a mechanical abutment with air gaps to an optically continuous pathway, reducing splice loss while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple resin application and curing processes.
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
Enables efficient and proper connection of optical fibers, reducing splice loss and allowing for quick connection of multiple fibers, even when they are not parallel, by maintaining a shaving margin and using light-transmissive materials.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path disposed between the first bundle and the second bundle to hold a space between the first bundle and the second bundle in the longitudinal direction and optically connect the divided optical fibers to each other
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of self-assembled optical waveguides formed of a photocurable resin that individually connects the plurality of optical fibers, which are divided by extending from cut surfaces of the first bundle and the second bundle, to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cable connection structure includes: optical fibers divided into a first bundle and a second bundle in a middle portion of an optical fiber cable in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber cable; a first fixing portion that integrally fixes the optical fibers of the first bundle in the middle portion; a second fixing portion that integrally fixes the optical fibers of the second bundle in the middle portion; and an optical path that is disposed between the first bundle and the second bundle, holds a space between the first bundle and the second bundle in the longitudinal direction, and optically connects the divided optical fibers to each other.