Optical Fiber Connector With Integrated Dual-Ferrule Attenuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connectors require multiple components when used with optical fiber attenuators, occupying space and not compatible with newer optical fiber connection specifications, especially when connecting to two ferrules.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical fiber connector design incorporating a connecting unit, adapter unit, and attenuation unit, allowing for adjustable light attenuation without external attenuators, and capable of connecting to two ferrules, thus reducing component count and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external optical fiber attenuators are used, then attenuation function is achieved, but component count increases and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attenuator body with the connector housing into a single integrated structure. The attenuator body serves dual purposes: it provides the attenuation function while simultaneously serving as the connector housing that contains the ferrules and guiding structures. This merging eliminates the need for separate external attenuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the attenuation mechanism, houses the ferrules for fiber connection, and provides the guiding structures for proper alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count by eliminating dedicated separate components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical fiber connector design is used, then single core fiber connection is supported, but compatibility with newer two ferrule connection specifications is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both single-core and dual-core fiber configurations. The housing includes multiple ferrules (first and second ferrules) that can be configured for different connection types, allowing the same basic connector design to adapt to various optical fiber connection specifications without requiring completely different connector designs.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for attenuation and connection, then attenuation function is achieved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuator body is merged with the connector housing, creating a single compact unit that performs both attenuation and connection functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate external attenuator components and reduces the overall space required for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrules and guiding structures are nested within the attenuator body housing. The first and second ferrules are positioned inside the housing with guiding structures that lead the fibers into proper alignment, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes external dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector includes a connecting unit, an adapter unit, and an attenuation unit. The adapter unit includes an insertion seat connected removably to a main housing of the connecting unit, and two guide frame bodies located respectively at two opposite sides of the insertion seat in a transverse direction. The insertion seat has two insertion holes spaced apart in the transverse direction and extending in a front-rear direction. Each guide frame body extends in the front-rear direction away from the connecting unit. The attenuation unit includes two attenuation components, two rear ferrules, and two front ferrules. The attenuation components are arranged in the transverse direction and disposed within the main housing. The rear ferrules respectively extend rearwardly from rear ends of the attenuation components into the insertion holes. The front ferrules respectively extend forwardly from front ends of the attenuation components through and outwardly of the main housing.