Optical Connector Kit With Pre-Assembled Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical connector kits are inefficient and labor-intensive when attaching optical connectors to optical fibers on job sites due to the large number of parts and the absence of a ferrule, leading to potential errors in insertion order and direction.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector kit that includes a ferrule-with-optical-fiber assembly, where the optical fiber is pre-attached to a ferrule and end face polished, along with an accommodating housing that organizes all necessary connector parts in a predetermined order, including a capillary and flange, to facilitate easy insertion and fusion splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing accommodating multiple connector parts is used, then operation errors are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector parts (ferrule, adaptor, housing, cap) into a single integrated assembly that is pre-configured and pre-assembled. This merging reduces the number of separate components the operator must handle individually, thereby reducing operation errors while maintaining the functional complexity of the connector system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector parts are pre-assembled and pre-configured in the correct order and orientation before being delivered to the job site. The ferrule is pre-attached to the optical fiber with proper alignment, and all components are arranged in the housing in the correct sequence. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site assembly operations that could lead to errors.
2Ease of operation
If manual insertion of optical fiber into connector parts is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but labor time and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-inserted into the ferrule and pre-aligned during manufacturing, with the ferrule already attached to the fiber tip. The housing is pre-configured with all connector parts in the correct order. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations while maintaining ease of operation through simple connection actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-assembling to a degree, with features like guide pins, pre-positioned components, and intuitive housing design that automatically guide the optical fiber and connector parts into correct positions without requiring complex manual manipulation or specialized tools.
3Reliability
If all connector parts including ferrule are included in the kit, then completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ferrule, optical fiber, adaptor, housing, and cap into a single unified connector assembly kit. By merging these previously separate components into one pre-assembled unit, the kit maintains completeness (all necessary parts are included) while reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate items. The integrated design ensures all components are present and properly configured without requiring the operator to assemble separate parts.
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 solution simplifies the attachment process by ensuring all necessary parts are organized and easily accessible, reducing errors and labor time, and allows for efficient fusion splicing on-site, enhancing operability and reducing the likelihood of part omission.
Implementation Method 1
the tip end of another optical fiber is fusion-spliced to the rear end of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector kit includes a ferrule-with-optical-fiber and an accommodating housing for accommodating all connector parts constituting an optical connector, including the ferrule-with-optical-fiber. An optical fiber having a predetermined length is attached to the ferrule of the ferrule-with-optical-fibers, for which end face polishing processing is carried out. The connector parts include a plurality of connector parts into which another optical fiber is inserted when the rear end of the optical fiber of the ferrule-with-optical-fiber and the tip end of another optical fiber are fusion-spliced. In the accommodating housing, the connector parts are arranged in a line in the order of insertion of another optical fiber.