Optic Fiber Cable Connector With Cantilevered Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors for laser-based medical devices are small, difficult to handle, prone to contamination and damage, and lack ergonomic design, making them challenging to connect and maintain, which can impact the integrity and performance of medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The delivery system features a launch connector with a male ferrule supported exclusively by the optical fiber, allowing for flexible positioning and alignment with a female ferrule, and includes a graspable body portion for improved handling, along with resilient materials for axial cushioning and resistance to lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the optical connector size is reduced to increase connector density, then the number of connectors per square inch increases, but the ease of handling and manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a small ferrule for precise optical alignment, a flexible cable section for positioning, and a large graspable body portion for easy handling. This segmentation allows the critical optical interface to remain small while the handling interface is enlarged.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a uniformly small connector design to a multi-scale design by adding dimensional variation. The graspable body portion extends in size in the radial dimension while the ferrule remains small in the optical axis dimension, creating a multi-dimensional size profile that satisfies both density and handling requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ferrule size is reduced for precise optical alignment, then the optical alignment precision improves, but the robustness and resistance to contamination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector separates the optical interface (small ferrule) from the protective interface (large body portion with recess). The recess acts as a protective chamber that shields the exposed fiber facet from contamination while the small ferrule maintains precise optical alignment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess structure serves as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the exposed fiber facet. It provides a physical barrier that prevents direct exposure to contaminants while allowing the small ferrule to maintain its precise optical alignment function.
3Area of stationary object
If the connector components are made small for high density, then the space efficiency improves, but the ease of making quick connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector separates the small-critical optical interface from the large-ergonomic handling interface. The large graspable body portion enables quick connection through easy manual manipulation, while the small ferrule maintains high density installation capability.
4Device complexity
If the fiber facet is exposed to enable direct coupling, then the connection simplicity improves, but the susceptibility to contamination and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess structure serves as a protective intermediary that shields the exposed fiber facet from direct environmental exposure. It provides a physical barrier against contaminants and potential damage while maintaining the simple direct-coupling connection structure through the small ferrule.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector divides the exposed fiber facet (small ferrule) from the protective environment interface (body portion with recess). This segmentation allows the fiber facet to remain exposed for simple coupling while the recess provides protective shielding.
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
This configuration provides a robust, ergonomic, and easy-to-use optical fiber connector that ensures precise alignment and secure connection, reducing the risk of contamination and damage, while also being economical and simple to manufacture and use.
Implementation Method 1
Laser-based medical devices use laser radiation for medical treatments. The laser radiation type, power, and parameters vary depending upon the treatment. A laser source connects to a medical device using a delivery system having an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
resilient materials for axial cushioning and resistance to lateral movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A delivery system extends from a laser radiation source for connecting to a medical device that utilizes the laser radiation for medical treatment. The delivery system comprises an optical fiber connecting to a male launch connecter. The male launch connector having a body portion with the optical fiber fixed or constrained therein and the optical fiber terminating at a male ferrule with a forward directed fiber facet, the male ferrule may be cantilevered within the body portion by the optical fiber line providing freedom of movement of the male ferrule. The launch connector engages a receiving connector on the medical device first with mechanical connection portions and then more finely aligning optical connection portions by the male ferrule self-aligning in a female ferrule with cooperating tapered surfaces. The male portion may fully seat in the female portion with cooperating cylindrical surfaces.