Optical Fiber Plug Housing for Small-Pipe Sewer Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sewer inspection and maintenance systems face challenges with copper transmission links' limited bandwidth, requiring a switch to fiber optics, but fiber optic connectors demand stringent manufacturing tolerances and are sensitive to contamination, and converting fiber optic links to copper introduces larger connector housings that limit application in small pipes.
Innovation Solution
A plug system with a plug housing that accommodates an optical waveguide housing, featuring a lens or contact surface for coupling with a mating connector, allowing for minimized radial and axial offsets, and optionally including a spring element for axial displacement, enabling secure and robust optical data transmission with larger manufacturing tolerances and potential electrical and mechanical interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fiber optic connectors with direct fiber contact are used, then bandwidth for data transmission is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements become excessively high (single-digit μm range) and contamination sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical fiber housing as an intermediary component that houses and positions the optical fiber. This housing provides a robust mechanical interface with larger tolerances, acting as a mediator between the fiber optic link and the connector interface, thereby eliminating the need for single-digit μm precision while maintaining high bandwidth capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: an optical fiber housing that contains the optical fiber, and a connector housing that provides the mechanical interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the optical fiber housing for precise fiber positioning and the connector housing for robust connection with larger tolerances
2Manufacturing precision
If fiber optic link is converted to copper transmission link before coupling, then connector manufacturing becomes easier with larger tolerances, but connector housing size increases limiting application in small diameter pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical/copper transmission interface with an optical interface at the connector level. By using optical fibers that can be precisely positioned within the optical fiber housing and maintaining alignment through the coupled connector interfaces, the system eliminates the need for large electrical connectors while preserving manufacturing feasibility with standard tolerances
3Manufacturing precision
If optical fiber is fixed in optical fiber housing with positive coupling, then radial offset is minimized improving alignment, but axial adjustment capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber housing is designed to be axially displaceable within the connector housing, introducing dynamic adjustability. This allows the optical fiber position to be optimized axially during assembly or maintenance while the positive coupling between connector housings maintains minimal radial offset for proper alignment
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 solution provides a secure, efficient, and robust optical data transmission system with reduced manufacturing tolerance requirements, allowing for use in smaller pipes and preventing contamination, while enabling both optical and electrical data transmission with a single connector.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical fiber has a lens on the coupling side, via which light can be coupled out of the first optical fiber or coupled into the first optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a first optical fiber arranged in the connector and a second optical fiber arranged in the mating connector
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector for a channel inspection and/or maintenance system is provided for the operational coupling of a first optical fiber arranged in the connector with a second optical fiber arranged in a mating connector, wherein - the connector comprises a connector housing in which a recess for receiving an optical fiber housing is formed, - the first optical fiber is arranged in the optical fiber housing, wherein the first optical fiber is fixed in the optical fiber housing.