Optical Connector Non-Rubbing Ferrule Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors with cam slots and pins can cause scratches on ferrule end surfaces during engagement, leading to increased optical coupling loss due to surface rubbing.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a first and second plug with ferrules, a sleeve, and a spring, where the second plug has a projection that engages with the shell's hollow, allowing the ferrules to jointly rotate without rubbing, and a coil spring ensures physical contact between the ferrule end surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cam slot and pin are rotated by 90° to engage the male and female connectors, then the connectors can be connected, but the end surfaces of the ferrules rub against each other causing scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide pin as an intermediary component that performs the rotational engagement function separately from the ferrules. The guide pin rotates within a guide slot, acting as a mediator that enables connector engagement without requiring the ferrule end surfaces to rub against each other, thus preventing scratches while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If the ferrule end surfaces are kept in tight contact to reduce optical coupling loss, then connection stability improves, but the ferrules may rub against each other during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engagement function from the optical contact function. The guide pin and guide slot handle the rotational engagement separately, while the ferrules maintain tight contact for optical coupling. This segmentation allows the ferrules to be in tight contact without rubbing during engagement, as the rubbing action is transferred to the guide pin-groove interface
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a guide pin and guide groove are added to prevent rubbing during engagement, then ferrule surface protection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is designed to serve multiple functions: it guides the insertion of the connectors, enables the 90° rotational engagement, and prevents rubbing of the ferrule surfaces. The guide groove similarly provides multiple functions including guiding and constraining the guide pin's motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving ferrule surface protection
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
Prevents scratches on ferrule end surfaces by ensuring non-rubbing engagement and maintaining tight contact, thereby reducing optical coupling loss and enhancing connection stability.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is put between the first plug and the shell to push the first plug outward of the shell, thereby forming physical contact between the end surfaces of the ferrules
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector is disclosed. The optical connector provides a first plug, a second plug, a sleeve, a spring, and a shell. The first plug and the second plug jointly rotate without rubbing end surfaces of ferrules thereof. The second plug provides a projection, while, the shell provides a hollow that receives the projection of the second plug. The first plug is pushed against the second plug by the spring put between the first plug and the shell but unable to be detached from the second plug because of the projection of the second plug mated with the hollow of the shell, thereby the ferrules in the respective plugs make physical contact in the respective end surfaces.