Offset Fiber Ferrule for Secure Single-Fiber Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security connecting systems for optical fibers require multiple types of connector housings and adapters to prevent unauthorized insertion or removal, which is inefficient and increases complexity.

Innovation Solution

A single-fiber connector system with a ferrule having a fiber hole offset from the center and rotated at a predetermined angle, allowing only matching connectors to form a secure connection, using a common housing and adapter design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple types of connector housings and adapters with different physical barriers are used to prevent unauthorized insertion or removal, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the fiber hole in the ferrule at an offset location rather than at the center. This creates an asymmetric geometry that enables security functionality through a single connector housing design, eliminating the need for multiple different housing types while maintaining security against unauthorized insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If multiple types of connector housings are used to establish physical security, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single connector housing that performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, enables security through the offset fiber hole configuration, and allows for both authorized insertion/removal and identification. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture multiple different housing types, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If different physical barriers are used to prevent unauthorized insertion or removal, then security is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple security functions into a single connector housing component. The offset fiber hole configuration combines the security barrier function with the alignment and connection functions, eliminating the need for separate physical barriers or additional components. This consolidation reduces the total number of components while maintaining comprehensive security against unauthorized insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9195011B2“Secured” fiber optic connecting system and method using offset fiber position in a single-fiber connector

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 AFL COMM LLC

AI summary

Provided is a single-fiber connector including a housing; and a single-position ferrule disposed within the housing, the single-position ferrule including a single fiber hole which extends though the housing parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the ferrule and is configured to receive a fiber. The fiber hole is disposed in the ferrule at a fiber position located according to a predetermined distance offset from the longitudinal center axis of the ferrule and a rotation of a predetermined number of degrees around the longitudinal center axis of the ferrule in a predetermined direction.