Optical Fiber Connection Apparatus with Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex alignment of optical fibers in breakout cables often results in incorrect connections and unexpected optical loss between QSFP and SFP modules due to the intricate alignment of transmitters and receivers, leading to inefficiencies in optical signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber connection apparatus with housings and lens members that align and fixate optical fiber bundles, allowing for easier and more accurate connection between optical modules by changing the shape and direction of optical signals, thereby simplifying the alignment process and increasing connection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual optical fibers are manually aligned and connected between QSFP and SFP modules, then optical connection is achieved, but connection accuracy deteriorates and optical loss increases due to complicated alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical fiber bundle into individual fiber channels, with each channel having its own lens member for independent alignment. This allows each fiber to be aligned separately through its dedicated lens, simplifying the overall alignment process while maintaining high connection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lens members as intermediary components between the optical fibers and the modules. These lens members facilitate precise alignment and coupling of light, thereby improving connection accuracy while reducing the complexity of direct fiber-to-fiber alignment
2Productivity
If complex alignment procedures are used to connect optical fibers, then connection is achieved, but connection time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment features in the housing structure, such as pre-positioned lens members and guide structures, that automatically align optical fibers during insertion. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures, significantly improving connection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to self-align optical fibers through built-in mechanical guides and positioning features. When fibers are inserted, the structure automatically positions them correctly without requiring external alignment tools or procedures, reducing both time and complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enhances the accuracy and efficiency of optical connections by aligning optical fibers, reducing errors and optical losses, and ensuring stable signal transmission between optical modules in breakout cables.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens member may be configured to change a shape or a direction of an optical signal received from the first optical module and thereby transmit a changed optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The first lens member may be configured to change a shape or a direction of an optical signal received from the first optical module and thereby transmit a changed optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connection apparatus is disclosed, including a first housing having first receptacle portion receiving and fixating first optical fiber bundle connecting to first optical module on the outside, and a first lens member changing shape or direction of optical signal received from the first optical module and transmitting changed optical signal to the outside or changing shape or direction of optical signal received from the outside and thereby transmitting changed optical signal to the first optical module, and further including a second housing having second receptacle portion receiving and fixating a second optical fiber bundle connecting to a second optical module on the outside, and a second lens member changing shape or direction of optical signal received from the second optical module and thereby transmitting changed optical signal or changing shape or direction of optical signal received from the outside and thereby transmitting changed optical signal to the second optical module.