Optical Subassembly Ferrule Fastening Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical transceivers rely on glue to adhere the ferrule to the receptacle, making it difficult to realign or replace the ferrule without damaging optical components during maintenance or when coupling tests fail.

Innovation Solution

An optical subassembly featuring a ferrule fastening component with a fastening portion and a blocking portion, where the fastening portion is secured to the receptacle and the blocking portion touches the ferrule, providing a secure and removable connection without glue, using an arc-shaped elastic metal clip with a hook structure to confine the ferrule's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If glue is used to adhere the ferrule to the receptacle, then the ferrule is securely fixed, but it becomes difficult to realign or replace the ferrule without damaging optical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidferrule realignability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening component is divided into distinct functional portions: a fastening portion that secures to the receptacle and a blocking portion that contacts the ferrule. This segmentation allows the ferrule to be firmly held while enabling tool-free removal by releasing the blocking action, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening component utilizes elastic deformation to provide a dynamic fastening mechanism. The elastic portion can be deformed to release the blocking portion from the ferrule, allowing easy removal without damage. This dynamic property enables the system to transition between a secure fixed state and an easy-to-repair state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If a secure connection is provided without glue, then ferrule realignment is facilitated, but the connection may become loose during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule removableVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking portion features a curved surface that conforms to the ferrule geometry, providing reliable contact and preventing lateral movement during operation. This curved design ensures stable positioning while maintaining the ability to be removed by applying force in the axial direction, thus achieving both reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening component changes its mechanical parameters through elastic deformation. During normal operation, the elastic portion maintains a constrained state that provides stable connection. During maintenance, the elastic portion can be deformed beyond its normal range to release the ferrule, enabling easy removal without compromising operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If an arc-shaped elastic metal clip is used, then the ferrule can be easily mounted and unmounted, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule mountingVSAvoidfastening structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening component merges multiple functions into a single integrated element: the arc-shaped elastic metal clip simultaneously provides structural support, elastic fastening, and ferrule positioning through its blocking portion. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic metal clip is designed to be self-contained and self-actuating. The elastic portion automatically provides the necessary fastening force, and the blocking portion inherently prevents ferrule movement without requiring additional locking mechanisms. This self-service design achieves ease of operation without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for easy mounting and unmounting of the ferrule, preventing misalignment and damage to optical components, facilitating maintenance and realignment without damaging the optical subassembly.

Implementation Method 1

using an arc-shaped elastic metal clip with a hook structure to confine the ferrule's movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20200278499A1Optical transceiver and optical subassembly thereof

Publication Date: 2020.09.03 PRIME WORLD INT HLDG LTD

AI summary

An optical subassembly includes a receptacle, a ferrule and a ferrule fastening component. The ferrule and the ferrule fastening component are connected with the receptacle. The ferrule fastening component includes a fastening portion and a blocking portion connected with each other. The fastening portion is fastened with the receptacle, and the blocking portion touches the ferrule.