Optical Connector Ferrule With Nested Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical connector ferrules face compatibility issues when transitioning from a smaller fiber quantity to a larger one, as increasing the optical channel row quantity compromises channel accuracy and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an optical connector ferrule with n optical channels, featuring first-type and second-type channels, where the second-type channels are integrated into the rows of the first-type channels, increasing density without altering the channel row quantity, allowing compatibility with ferrules of lesser fiber counts without affecting accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical channel row quantity is increased to improve compatibility with ferrules of varying fiber quantities, then compatibility is improved, but optical channel accuracy is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical channels are segmented into two types: first-type optical channels that maintain the same arrangement as in traditional ferrules for compatibility, and second-type optical channels that are inserted between first-type channels to increase density. This segmentation allows the ferrule to support both legacy and enhanced configurations without compromising accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing compatibility by adding more rows (vertical dimension), the patent increases density by inserting channels between existing rows (horizontal dimension). This dimensional shift allows more channels per row without increasing the row quantity, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving compatibility.
2Productivity
If the fiber quantity of an MT ferrule is increased to meet higher data transmission rate requirements, then bandwidth capability is improved, but compatibility with current-generation ferrules is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple generations of connectors simultaneously. The first-type optical channels provide compatibility with current-generation ferrules, while the second-type optical channels enable support for higher data transmission rates. This universal design allows a single ferrule to function in both legacy and advanced configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second-type optical channels are nested between the first-type optical channels in the same row. This nesting arrangement allows the ferrule to accommodate more channels without increasing the overall row structure, enabling higher bandwidth capability while maintaining compatibility with existing ferrule designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical channel row quantity is increased to achieve forward compatibility with future ferrule generations, then compatibility is improved, but optical channel accuracy and manufacturing precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by inserting second-type optical channels only in specific positions between first-type channels where they are needed for compatibility. This localized insertion increases density only where necessary, maintaining high accuracy in the overall channel arrangement while providing forward compatibility capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Example optical connector ferrules and example optical connectors are provided. An example optical connector ferrule is a first ferrule of an optical connector, where the first ferrule includes n optical channels, and the first ferrule is configured to be compatible with a second ferrule. The second ferrule includes m optical channels, where both m and n are positive integers, and n is greater than m. The n optical channels of the first ferrule include first-type optical channels and second-type optical channels, where an arrangement manner of the first-type optical channels is the same as that of the m optical channels of the second ferrule, and at least one of the second-type optical channels is located in at least one of rows in which the first-type optical channels are located.