Open-Ended Spring Body for Low-Stress Optical Fiber Splicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical connectors experience stress cracks and signal loss due to the use of traditional spring bodies during assembly, which complicate the manufacturing process and lead to connector failure, especially in high-density data center environments where multiple fibers are connected.
Innovation Solution
A compressible spring body with a longitudinal bore and side opening is designed to accommodate optical fibers without distorting or twisting them, reducing stress cracks and simplifying the assembly process by allowing the spring body to be positioned around the splice point without applying additional stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional spring bodies are used in optical connectors, then the connector provides mechanical biasing force, but stress cracks and signal loss occur at the splice point
Solution Approach 1:
The spring body is divided into multiple coils along its length, with each coil segment capable of independent compression. This segmentation allows the spring to distribute mechanical stress along its structure rather than concentrating it at a single point, reducing stress transmission to the splice point while maintaining overall biasing force
Solution Approach 2:
The spring body features varying coil densities along its length, with closer spacing at the ends to provide stronger biasing force where needed, and wider spacing in the middle section to reduce stress concentration at the splice point. This local variation in structural properties optimizes both the biasing function and splice point protection
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional spring bodies are used in optical connectors, then the connector assembly is completed, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The spring body is integrated as a single monolithic component rather than being assembled from multiple separate parts. This merging of the spring structure into one piece eliminates the need for complex assembly steps and reduces the number of components, simplifying both manufacturing and installation while maintaining the necessary mechanical functionality
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional spring bodies are used in optical connectors, then the connector provides fiber alignment, but additional stress is applied to the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The spring body provides fiber alignment through its structural geometry and positioning features rather than relying solely on compressive force. The helical coil structure and end configurations enable precise fiber positioning in multiple dimensions while the spring's flexibility absorbs stress, decoupling the alignment function from stress application
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 effectively reduces stress cracks and signal loss at the splice point, enhancing the reliability and performance of optical connectors by easing assembly and minimizing the risk of connector failure.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible spring body is provided having a plural of adjoining segments that forms a longitudinal bore for one or more optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A spring body configured with a plural of spring segments formed along a longitudinal axis of the spring body. The spring segments form an opening along one side that is configured to accept one or more optical fibers, and secure the fiber bundle from being dislodged from a bore formed by the spring segments.