Optical Connector Ferrule With Deformable Mechanism And Restrictors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors using ferrule deformation and fiber buckling are prone to excessive stress and damage from external forces, particularly when forces are applied parallel or orthogonal to the optical fiber axis, leading to potential damage during connection.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector incorporates a ferrule with a deformable mechanism that includes restrictors to limit displacement and deformation, preventing excessive buckling and stress on optical fibers by using a design with a front and rear part, and an opening for fiber bending, along with restrictors between the deformable mechanism and these parts to stabilize the fibers during connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ferrule deformation and fiber buckling are used to achieve connection between unpolished fibers, then manufacturing cost is reduced and connection accuracy is improved, but external forces cause excessive buckling and stress damage to optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the ferrule by introducing a deformable mechanism with specific elasticity characteristics. The ferrule is designed to deform within a controlled range during connection, allowing fiber buckling while preventing excessive deformation that would cause fiber damage. The deformable mechanism has parameters (elasticity modulus, deformation range) that are optimized to balance connection accuracy with fiber protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deformable mechanism as an intermediary element between the ferrule and the optical fiber. This deformable mechanism acts as a buffer that absorbs external forces and controls the buckling of fibers during connection. It mediates between the need for fiber buckling to achieve connection and the need to protect fibers from excessive stress, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost reduction and fiber damage resistance.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ferrule is made deformable to accommodate fiber buckling, then connection accuracy is improved, but the ferrule becomes more complex and prone to external force damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ferrule structure into distinct functional parts: a rigid body portion and a deformable mechanism portion. The deformable mechanism is further segmented into elastic deformation portions and restriction portions. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the rigid portion maintains structural integrity while the deformable portions accommodate fiber buckling within controlled limits, thereby achieving connection accuracy without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the ferrule through the deformable mechanism that can elastically deform and recover. This dynamic capability allows the ferrule to adapt to fiber length variations and external forces during connection, maintaining connection accuracy. The deformable mechanism dynamically adjusts its deformation within prescribed limits, providing flexibility without permanent structural complexity.
3Reliability
If restrictors are added to limit deformable mechanism displacement, then fiber stress is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the restriction function with the existing deformable mechanism structure. The restriction portions are integrated into the deformable mechanism itself rather than being separate external components. This merging approach allows the restrictors to limit deformable mechanism displacement and protect fibers from excessive stress while minimizing additional structural complexity, as the restriction function is combined with the deformation function in a unified structure.
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 design effectively prevents excessive buckling and stress on optical fibers, ensuring stable physical contact and preventing breakage, even under external forces, while maintaining accurate connection and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable mechanism (11) to connect between the front part (10a) and the rear part (10b)... makes use of deformation of the ferrule and bending or buckling of optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
the deformable mechanism has a restrictor to restrict displacement or deformation of the deformable mechanism... prevents excessive buckling and stress on optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes an optical fiber, and a ferrule configured to hold the optical fiber, wherein the ferrule has a front part, a rear part, a deformable mechanism to connect between the front part and the rear part, and an opening to allow the optical fiber to bend along with displacement of the deformable mechanism, and wherein the deformable mechanism has a restrictor to restrict the displacement or deformation of the deformable mechanism, the restrictor being provided at least between the deformable mechanism and the front part or between the deformable mechanism and the rear part.