Optical Ferrule Side Positioning Structure Without Guide Pins

The patent removes the guide pin component entirely from the alignment system. Instead of using guide pins that protrude into the optical path and are susceptible to foreign matter contamination, the invention extracts only the essential alignment function and implements it through recessed portions on the ferrule that mate with protruding portions on the adapter, eliminating the harmful element while preserving the positioning function.

The patent introduces the adapter as an intermediary component that performs the alignment function. Rather than having the ferrule directly interface with another ferrule using guide pins, the adapter serves as a mediator with protruding portions that engage with recessed portions on the ferrule, providing precise positioning without the need for guide pins that are vulnerable to foreign matter.

The patent replaces expensive, high-precision guide pins with simpler, less critical alignment features. The recessed and protruding portions can be manufactured with standard tolerances using conventional molding techniques, eliminating the need for costly high-precision machining or specialized components while achieving sufficient alignment accuracy for optical fiber connection.

Instead of having protruding guide pins that extend into the connection interface, the patent inverts the approach by using recessed portions on the ferrule that receive protruding portions from the adapter. This inversion eliminates the need for high-precision protruding elements while maintaining alignment functionality, as the recesses can be more easily manufactured with standard precision.

The patent removes the guide pin insertion holes from the ferrule structure. By extracting this feature, the ferrule becomes a simpler, more compact component without holes that could trap foreign matter. The alignment function is transferred to the adapter, which contains the corresponding protruding portions that engage with recessed portions on the ferrule surface.

The patent merges the alignment function into the adapter component rather than requiring separate guide pins and insertion holes in the ferrule. The protruding portions on the adapter are integrated directly into the adapter body, and the recessed portions on the ferrule are simple surface features, combining multiple functions into fewer components and simplifying the overall structure.