Optical Connector Fusion Splice Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fusion-splicing optical connectors, the connection point between the connection fiber and the embedded fiber is fragile and prone to deformation due to the biasing force from the spring when a heat-shrinkable sleeve is used.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design includes a ferrule with a fiber hole, an embedded fiber with an extension portion, a connection fiber fusion-spliced to the extension portion, a temporary fixing member, a heat-shrinkable sleeve, a plug frame, a stop ring with a biasing surface, and a biasing member that biases the ferrule. This configuration allows for controlled biasing forces and minimizes deformation during heat-shrinkage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat-shrinkable sleeve is used to protect the fusion point, then the connection point is protected and strengthened, but the spring bush may be heated and deformed by the biasing force when the sleeve is shrunk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the biasing mechanism into separate components: a biasing member (spring) and a stopper. The stopper acts as a mechanical barrier that prevents the biasing member from directly contacting and deforming the spring bush during the heat-shrinking process. This segmentation isolates the heating process from the biasing force, allowing the heat-shrinkable sleeve to be shrunk without transferring excessive heat or force to the spring bush.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper serves as an intermediary element between the biasing member and the spring bush. During heat-shrinking, the stopper prevents direct contact and force transmission between the biasing member and spring bush. The stopper absorbs or redirects the biasing force, protecting the spring bush from deformation while still allowing the biasing member to function. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by introducing a protective element that isolates the vulnerable spring bush from harmful effects during the shrinking process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heat-shrinkable sleeve is shrunk to protect the fusion point, then the connection point is stabilized, but deformation is more likely to occur in the spring bush due to heating and biasing force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional roles: the heat-shrinkable sleeve handles protection and stabilization of the fusion point, while the stopper handles protection of the spring bush from deformation. By separating these functions into different components, the system can achieve both stability of the connection point and maintenance of spring bush shape without interference between the two processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary that prevents the biasing force from directly affecting the spring bush shape during heat-shrinking. It mediates between the shrinking process and the spring bush, allowing the sleeve to be shrunk for stabilization while the stopper protects the spring bush from deformation. This intermediary mechanism enables both desired effects to occur simultaneously without mutual interference.
3Ease of operation
If a spring is used to bias the ferrule, then the floating structure is achieved for easy connection maintenance, but the spring bush may be deformed by the biasing force during heat-shrinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the biasing function from the spring bush by introducing a separate stopper component. The spring continues to provide biasing force for the floating structure, but the stopper isolates the spring bush from direct contact with the biasing member. This segmentation allows the floating structure to maintain ease of operation while the stopper protects the spring bush from deformation during heat-shrinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper serves as an intermediary that protects the spring bush from the biasing force during the heat-shrinking process. It allows the spring to continue functioning for easy connection maintenance while preventing the biasing force from deforming the spring bush. The stopper mediates between the operational requirements and the structural integrity requirements, enabling both to be satisfied simultaneously.
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 reduces deformation caused by biasing forces even when a heat-shrinkable sleeve is used, ensuring the optical connector maintains its structural integrity and connection stability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-shrinkable sleeve that is shrunk by heating
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member that is disposed between the ferrule and the biasing surface in the extension direction, and biases the ferrule in a direction from the second end toward the first end
Implementation Method 3
a connection fiber that is fusion-spliced to the extension portion of the embedded fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes a ferrule that has a connection end face and a fiber hole; an embedded fiber that has an insertion portion inserted into the fiber hole, and an extension portion extending from the fiber hole; a connection fiber that is fusion-spliced to the extension portion; a temporary fixing member into which the extension portion is inserted; a heat-shrinkable sleeve that is shrunk by heating, accommodates a connection point of the two fibers, and is fixed to an end portion of the temporary fixing member; a plug frame that has a frame body portion and a regulating portion regulating relative movement of the ferrule with respect to the frame body portion; a tubular stop ring that has a biasing surface, and is locked to the plug frame; and a biasing member that is disposed between the ferrule and the biasing surface and biases the ferrule.