Optical Coupling Member Angle Deviation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors fail to sufficiently suppress angle deviation around the central axis of polarization-maintaining and multi-core fibers due to gaps between the connector and adapter, which affects polarization maintenance and optical coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling member with a ferrule, connector housing, and adapter design that includes a holding member allowing relative movement between the housing and ferrule in two perpendicular directions, and a contact portion with an inclined surface for elastic deformation, ensuring precise angle control and movement within the adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ferrule position is completely fixed to prevent axial deviation, then axial stability is improved, but angle deviation around the central axis cannot be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is divided into a first holding portion that restricts relative angle between connector housing and ferrule, and a second holding portion that allows relative movement in two perpendicular directions. This segmentation enables independent control of angular stability and positional flexibility, resolving the contradiction between axial stability and angle deviation suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic mechanism that allows controlled relative movement. The first and second holding portions work together to provide dynamic constraint: maintaining angular relationship while permitting linear displacement, thus achieving both axial stability and angle deviation suppression simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a gap is present between the optical connector and adapter, then ease of insertion is improved, but angle deviation around the central axis cannot be sufficiently suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member acts as an intermediary element between the connector housing and ferrule, providing precise angular restriction while accommodating the gap between connector and adapter. The first holding portion ensures angular precision despite the gap, maintaining optical alignment without requiring tight clearance between external components.
3Strength
If the contact portion is rigidly fixed, then structural strength is improved, but elastic deformation for precise angle control cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portion's rigidity parameter is changed locally to allow elastic deformation. By making the contact portion elastically deformable while maintaining overall structural strength, the system achieves precise angle control through deformation during insertion while preserving structural integrity for normal operation.
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
Effectively suppresses angle deviation around the central axis, maintaining polarization and enhancing optical coupling efficiency by allowing relative movement and elastic deformation, thereby preventing axial deviation and ensuring stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
the contact surface contacts with the adapter housing for elastically deforming the contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coupling member includes an adapter and an optical connector. The optical connector has a ferrule, a connector housing, and a holding member. The holding member allows relative movement between the connector housing and the ferrule, and holds a relative angle around a central axis between the connector housing and the ferrule. The connector housing has a contact portion including a contact surface. The adapter has a sleeve and an adapter housing. The ferrule is inserted into the sleeve while the contact surface contacts with the adapter housing for elastically deforming the contact portion.