Optical Connector Ferrule Structure for Stable Adhesive Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector ferrules face issues with reduced strength due to large adhesive spaces and open injection windows, leading to deformation and volume fluctuations that affect optical fiber stability and connectivity, and adhesive filling methods struggle to prevent air inclusion and leakage.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector ferrule features a reduced-diameter section between the adhesive injection window and internal space, with a sloped surface guiding adhesive flow and a dent section to balance resin flow, using PPS resin for reinforcement and precise molding, and a connection end surface design for stable fiber contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a large adhesive injection window and spacious internal space are provided for adhesive filling, then adhesive filling capability is improved, but ferrule strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space is segmented into two distinct regions: a first space for adhesive injection accessible through the injection window, and a second space for optical fiber accommodation. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be contained in a limited volume while still providing adequate space for fiber placement and curing, thereby maintaining ferrule strength even with a relatively large injection window.
2Ease of manufacture
If the adhesive space is open to the outside through injection window and insertion section, then adhesive injection is facilitated, but adhesive deformation and volume fluctuation occur due to temperature change and moisture absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space is divided into a first space accessible to the adhesive injection window and a second space for optical fiber placement. This segmentation creates a buffer zone that isolates the optical fiber from direct exposure to environmental factors while allowing controlled adhesive injection, thereby reducing the impact of temperature and moisture fluctuations on fiber stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first space acts as an intermediary chamber between the external environment (through the injection window) and the optical fiber accommodation space. This intermediate space allows adhesive to be injected and cured without direct environmental exposure affecting the fiber, serving as a protective buffer that mitigates deformation and volume fluctuation effects.
3Strength
If adhesive injection window is provided for anchor effect, then pullout strength is improved, but adhesive deformation transmits stress to optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space is segmented into a first space for adhesive injection and anchoring, and a second space for optical fiber accommodation. This segmentation allows the adhesive to provide anchor effect in the first space while isolating the optical fiber in the second space from direct stress transmission, thereby maintaining pullout strength without compromising fiber position stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector ferrule is a member in which an optical fiber is fixed inside a body section, and the distal-end side thereof forms a connection end surface for the optical fiber. An internal space in which the optical fiber is accommodated is formed inside the body section. The internal space runs through from the rear end to the distal end of the body section. An adhesive injection window that is open to the outside is formed in the upper surface of the body section. The adhesive injection window and the internal space are communicated inside the body section via a reduced-diameter section. In plan view, the area (area of the smallest section) of the reduced-diameter section is smaller than the open area of the adhesive injection window.