Optical Connection Structure Tapered Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing optical connection structures, axes misalignment between ferrules can occur when an external force is applied, leading to increased connection loss between optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
The optical connection structure includes a first ferrule, a second ferrule, and a split sleeve with specific taper surfaces and insertion lengths, where the dimensions of the taper surfaces and insertion lengths are optimized to reduce axes misalignment through the use of expressions a, b, and c.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional optical connection structure with two ferrules is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but axes misalignment occurs when external force is applied, leading to increased connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connection structure is divided into distinct functional segments: a first ferrule with a first taper surface, a second ferrule with a second taper surface, and a split sleeve. Each segment has specific dimensional parameters (taper dimensions x1, x2 and insertion lengths y1, y2) that are optimized to work together. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component to reduce axes misalignment while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies specific parameter relationships to reduce axes misalignment: the taper dimensions (x1, x2) and insertion lengths (y1, y2) are configured to satisfy specific expressions that optimize the mechanical coupling between ferrules and split sleeve. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters, the structure maintains alignment stability under external forces without requiring complex additional components.
2Ease of operation
If the split sleeve is allowed to move freely, then the insertion and removal of ferrules is easy, but the insertion lengths change, causing axes misalignment and increased connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The split sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the first and second ferrules. It provides a stable reference frame that maintains the relative positions of both ferrules during insertion and operation. The split sleeve's C-shape design allows easy insertion while its interaction with the ferrules' taper surfaces ensures that insertion lengths remain stable, preventing axes misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure creates a balanced mechanical state where the first ferrule and second ferrule are symmetrically positioned relative to the split sleeve. The taper surfaces and insertion lengths are configured to establish equipotential conditions that prevent preferential movement of either ferrule, ensuring stable alignment under various external forces while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection structure includes a first ferrule, a second ferrule, and a split sleeve that has an insertion hole into which at least part of the first ferule and at least part of the second ferule are inserted, in which the split sleeve has a first end in which the first ferrule is inserted and a second end in which the second ferrule is inserted, and when assuming that a dimension of a first taper surface is x1, a distance between a first connection end surface and the first end is y1, a dimension of the second taper surface is x2, and a distance between a second connection end surface and the second end is y2, the following expressions a, b, and c are established.a: X=x1/x2b: Y=y1/y2c: (3X+2)/5<Y<(2X+3)/4