Optical Ferrule Recessed Ejector Pin Mark for Reference Plane Flatness

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Solution Overview

Problem

The optical ferrule's reference plane is compromised by the protrusion of molding burrs from the ejector pin mark, which can degrade its functionality in polishing and measuring applications.

Innovation Solution

The optical ferrule features a recessed section on its lower surface with the ejector pin mark located at the bottom, ensuring the molding burr does not protrude from the reference plane, and an optical ferrule molding die with a protruded section that forms the recessed surface higher than the molding burr, preventing burr protrusion during manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the optical ferrule is pushed out by the ejector pin during molding, then the optical ferrule can be released from the molding die, but the ejector pin mark with molding burr protrudes from the reference plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of release from molding dieVSAvoidreference plane flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference plane is divided into two regions: a recessed section that receives the ejector pin mark and a flat section that maintains the reference surface. This local differentiation allows the ejector pin to contact the ferrule body without the molding burr affecting the reference plane's flatness, thus resolving the contradiction between easy release and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the ejector pin mark is formed on the reference plane, then the ejector pin can effectively push out the optical ferrule, but the molding burr degrades the reference plane function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejector pin effectivenessVSAvoidreference plane functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed section acts as an intermediary structure between the ejector pin and the reference plane. It allows the ejector pin mark to be formed while containing the molding burr within the recessed area, preventing it from degrading the reference plane's functionality for polishing and measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the reference plane is used for polishing and measurement, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the protruding molding burr compromises these functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmolding burr interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The molding burr, which is normally a harmful defect, is converted into a beneficial feature by designing the recessed section to contain it. The recessed section transforms the harmful protruding burr into a controlled feature that does not interfere with the reference plane's polishing and measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS8562225B2Optical ferrule, optical ferrule molding die, manufacturing method of optical ferrule, and ferrule with optical fiber

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 FUJIKURA LTD

AI summary

An optical ferrule that holds an optical fiber, the optical ferrule having an ejector pin mark formed by an ejector pin during molding, the optical ferrule includes a ferrule body, ferrule body having an optical fiber insertion opening to be inserted with the optical fiber, optical fiber hole from which a tip end of the optical fiber is to be exposed, and a lower surface of the ferrule body that is to be a reference plane, lower surface of the ferrule body including a recessed section, ejector pin mark being located on a bottom surface of the recessed section, side surface of the recessed section being formed higher than a molding burr of the ejector pin mark.