Optical Connector Magnetic Alignment for Stable Oblique-Face Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical connectors with oblique end faces experience increased connection loss due to component forces orthogonal to the fiber axis, causing axial misalignment and deformation of the split sleeve, which complicates the alignment process and increases variability in connection loss.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector structure incorporates magnetic structures integrated with alignment components, where the connection end faces of the optical fibers and magnetic structures are inclined orthogonally to the fiber axis, and a magnetic force is applied between these structures to maintain alignment without component forces orthogonal to the fiber axis, using hard and soft magnetic materials to stabilize the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oblique end faces are used to achieve high return loss, then reflection is reduced and return loss is improved, but component force orthogonal to the fiber axis causes axial misalignment and increases connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical pressing system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are embedded in the ferrules to generate magnetic attraction force that presses the end faces together, eliminating the need for springs and reducing the component force issue while maintaining the oblique end face configuration for high return loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressing mechanism from mechanical springs to magnetic fields, altering the fundamental parameter of how force is applied. This allows the oblique end faces to maintain contact without generating harmful component forces, simultaneously achieving high return loss and low connection loss
2Manufacturing precision
If spring force is applied to press ferrules together, then physical contact connection is achieved, but component force in sliding direction causes axial misalignment and increases connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spring-based mechanical pressing with magnetic field-based pressing. The magnets embedded in the ferrules generate attraction force that maintains precise alignment without creating component forces in the sliding direction, thereby reducing connection loss while maintaining alignment precision
3Reliability
If oblique end faces are used in MPO connectors, then high return loss is maintained, but component force causes guide pin position bias and elastic deformation, increasing connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spring-based pressing with magnetic field-based pressing in MPO connectors. The magnetic attraction force maintains the oblique end face contact for high return loss without causing guide pin position bias or elastic deformation, thereby preserving both return loss and axial alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force application mechanism from mechanical springs to magnetic fields, which eliminates the component force issue that causes guide pin deformation. This allows the oblique end faces to function properly without compromising alignment precision
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 configuration inhibits variations in connection loss by eliminating component forces orthogonal to the fiber axis, ensuring low-loss optical connections by maintaining precise alignment through magnetic attraction.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force generated between the first and second magnetic structures acts in a direction orthogonal to the connection end faces of the first and second optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
Opposing connection end faces of optical fibers (1a and 1b) and opposing connection end faces of ferrules (20a and 20b) are inclined with respect to a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the optical fibers (1a and 1b). Opposing connection end faces of magnetic structures (21a and 21b) are inclined with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers (1a and 1b), a magnetic force generated between the magnetic structures (21a and 21b) acts in a direction orthogonal to the connection end faces of the optical fibers (1a and 1b) and the connection end faces of the ferrules (20a and 20b).