Optical Fiber Holding Structure for Fast Ferrule Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly process of MT connectors is time-consuming due to the need for individual bonding of optical fiber holding components, and the positioning mechanism is complex, leading to potential orientation instability and damage to optical fibers.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber holding component with a specific design that allows easy fixation to a ferrule, featuring chamfered corners and controlled width, ensuring stable orientation and alignment, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If individual bonding of optical fiber holding components is performed, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but assembly time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical fiber holding components into a single integrated holding structure that can accommodate multiple optical fibers simultaneously. This allows the entire assembly to be bonded as one unit to the ferrule rather than bonding each component individually, thereby maintaining alignment accuracy while dramatically reducing assembly time and工序 complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex positioning mechanism is used, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning structures including chamfered corners on the holding component that mate with corresponding features on the ferrule. This asymmetric design provides automatic orientation and positioning during insertion, eliminating the need for complex adjustable positioning mechanisms while ensuring precise alignment of multiple optical fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Stability of the object's composition

If tight fit between holding component and ferrule is achieved, then orientation stability is improved, but risk of optical fiber damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation stabilityVSAvoidoptical fiber damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates chamfered corners and transition regions that provide gradual engagement between the holding component and ferrule. These features act as cushioning elements that guide the holding component into proper orientation during insertion, distributing mechanical stresses and preventing sudden impacts that could damage optical fibers while ensuring stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4726449A1Optical fiber holding component, optical fiber assembly, optical connector, and optical coupling device

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

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AI summary

The optical fiber holding component that is fixed relative to the ferrule includes a first end surface and a second end surface, a plurality of through holes, a first flat surface, and a pair of projected corners. The first flat surface has a width equal to or less than a width of the ferrule flat surface, and a maximum width of the optical fiber holding component is larger than the width of the ferrule flat surface.