Optical Connector Ferrule Upward Force Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors with obliquely-polished ferrules face axial misalignment issues due to vertical displacement, leading to increased optical loss, which is unstable and varies with each connection/disconnection, making it difficult to achieve low loss consistently.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a ferrule with a guide pin hole, aligned fiber holes, and an inclined end face, where an application part applies an upward force to the ferrule during connection to ensure precise vertical displacement, thereby stabilizing the connection and reducing loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical fiber holes are positioned at a location anticipating vertical displacement, then axial misalignment is reduced, but friction force between connecting end faces prevents the ferrule from displacing by the anticipated amount, causing connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an upward force to the ferrule before the connecting end faces come into contact, ensuring the ferrule is already in the anticipated displaced position when connection occurs. This preliminary positioning action overcomes the friction force problem by establishing the correct position before contact prevents misalignment while ensuring reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The upward force application counteracts the friction force that would otherwise prevent proper displacement. By applying this force in advance, the system pre-compensates for the harmful friction effect, ensuring the ferrule achieves the anticipated displacement position despite the presence of friction between end faces
2Ease of operation
If the ferrule is allowed to displace vertically due to clearance between guide pin hole and positioning guide pin, then connection is achieved, but axial misalignment occurs between optical fibers causing increased optical loss
Solution Approach 1:
The upward force is applied to the ferrule before connection, pre-positioning it at the anticipated displaced location. This ensures that when the guide pin engages the guide pin hole, the ferrule is already in the correct position, preventing axial misalignment while maintaining ease of connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical position parameter of the ferrule by applying an upward force, shifting it from the baseline position to the anticipated displaced position. This parameter change compensates for the clearance-induced displacement, maintaining alignment precision while allowing connection to proceed
3Productivity
If the optical connector is designed with obliquely-polished ferrules, then connection is facilitated, but vertical displacement of ferrules varies with each connection/disconnection, causing variations in connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
By applying the upward force before connection, the ferrule is consistently positioned at the anticipated displacement location for every connection event. This preliminary positioning ensures consistent alignment and connection loss values across multiple connections, improving reliability while maintaining connection speed
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a feedback mechanism where the upward force application and ferrule positioning are calibrated based on anticipated displacement characteristics. This feedback loop ensures that the ferrule is consistently positioned to compensate for vertical displacement variations, achieving stable low loss across multiple connections
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes: a ferrule including a guide pin hole, a plurality of fiber holes lined up in a width direction of the optical fiber, and an inclined end face; a housing in which the ferrule is retractably housed; and an application part that applies an upward force to the ferrule in an upward/downward direction when the optical connector connects with a counterpart connector in a connecting/disconnecting direction. The upward/downward direction is a height direction of the optical connector and is orthogonal to both the connecting/disconnecting direction and the width direction. The inclined end face projects upward toward the counterpart connector.