Optical Adaptor Ferrule Inspection via Mirror Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to inspect the surface of an optical ferrule within an optical connector without causing damage or contamination, as the surface is not directly visible and removing the ferrule can lead to scratches or loss of light transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical adaptor is designed to facilitate inspection by changing the position of the optical ferrule within the connector, allowing an inspection probe to capture images of the surface without removing it, using a receiving surface and image forming surface to position the ferrule for inspection while maintaining light transmission quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical ferrule is removed from the connector for inspection, then the surface becomes accessible for inspection, but the ferrule may be scratched or contaminated and light transmission quality may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (inspection adapter with mirror or optical fiber) that mediates between the inspection tool and the ferrule surface. This intermediary allows indirect viewing of the ferrule surface through the connector body without physical removal, thus maintaining ferrule integrity and light transmission quality while enabling inspection accessibility
2Reliability
If the optical ferrule remains in the connector during inspection, then light transmission quality is maintained, but the surface is not directly visible for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mirror positioned at an angle within the connector to redirect light from the ferrule surface to the inspection location. This changes the dimensional path of light propagation, allowing the inspector to view the ferrule surface from a different spatial dimension (through the connector body) without moving the ferrule from its original position, thus maintaining both visibility and light transmission quality
3Ease of operation
If an inspection probe is inserted into the connector to reach the ferrule surface, then the surface becomes visible, but the connector structure becomes complex and insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the inspection components (mirror, optical fiber, or reflective surface) within the existing connector body structure. These inspection elements are nested inside the connector housing, utilizing the available internal space without requiring external additions or complex mechanical insertions. This nested arrangement enables surface visibility while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and maintaining ease of operation
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 safe and effective inspection of the optical ferrule's surface and light transmission parameters without removing it from the connector, ensuring the ferrule's integrity and maintaining light quality.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective surface generally faces the middle wall and forms an oblique angle with the support surface portion... The reflective surface allows a viewing of the optical ferrule from the open rear end
Data Source
AI summary
An optical adaptor for inspection of a desired surface of an optical ferrule is provided. The optical ferrule is disposed in, and has a first position relative to, a housing of the optical ferrule. The optical adaptor includes a front portion including an open front end for insertion into the housing of the optical ferrule from an open mating end of the housing and for receiving at least a portion of the desired surface of the optical ferrule. The front portion includes a receiving surface for receiving at least a portion of the optical ferrule and causing the optical ferrule to change its position from the first position to a different second position. An image forming surface forms an image of the desired surface of the optical ferrule, thereby allowing a viewing of the optical ferrule from an open rear end of the optical adaptor.