Multi-fiber Ferrule Assembly with Offset Optical Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-fiber optical connectors face challenges in achieving precise coaxial alignment of optical fibers, leading to insertion loss and suboptimal performance due to the perpendicular orientation of fiber end faces.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-fiber ferrules with obliquely angled end faces and offset optical fibers within oversized fiber openings, where the fiber center points are secured to one side of the opening center points, facilitating enhanced coaxial alignment when two ferrules are mated, and a method for measuring fiber opening diameters by positioning an optical fiber at different contact locations within the ferrule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are positioned at the center of fiber openings with perpendicular end faces, then the ferrule structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but coaxial alignment between mated ferrules is poor leading to insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the optical fibers from the center of the fiber openings toward one side. This asymmetric positioning compensates for the lateral shift that occurs when obliquely angled ferrules are mated together, ensuring that the optical fibers from opposing ferrules achieve better coaxial alignment despite the angled end faces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-offsetting the optical fibers within the ferrule before mating. The fibers are positioned at predetermined offset locations relative to the fiber opening centers, so that when the ferrules are brought together in their mated state, the offset positions result in optimal coaxial alignment of the optical fibers from opposing ferrules.
2Reliability
If obliquely angled end faces are used to reduce insertion loss, then optical connection performance improves, but precise coaxial alignment becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines oblique angling with asymmetric fiber positioning. The oblique end faces reduce insertion loss by allowing gradual engagement of mated ferrules, while the asymmetric offset of fibers from the opening centers compensates for the lateral displacement caused by the angle, maintaining coaxial alignment precision despite the angular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the optical fibers within the ferrule, specifically offsetting them from the center of the fiber openings by a predetermined distance. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate oblique end face angles while maintaining proper coaxial alignment, as the offset compensates for the lateral shift that occurs during mating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber openings are made oversized to accommodate offset fibers, then alignment flexibility improves, but manufacturing precision of fiber positioning becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing predetermined offset positions for the optical fibers within the oversized fiber openings. These predetermined locations provide specific target positions that guide the fiber placement process, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning despite the larger opening dimensions that provide alignment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the oversized fiber opening as an intermediary element that provides tolerance for positioning. The larger opening size accommodates the offset fiber positioning and allows for some variation in the positioning process while still achieving the desired alignment outcome when the ferrules are mated.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a ferrule assembly including a ferrule defining a row of fiber openings. Optical fibers are secured within the fiber openings. The optical fibers are offset within the fiber openings toward one side of the ferrule.