Optical Fibre Connector with Cleaved Endfaces for Fast Field Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting optical fibers, particularly in multi-fiber cables, are laborious, require expensive equipment, and involve time-consuming polishing processes that can lead to signal loss and instability.
Innovation Solution
The use of cleaved endfaces in optical fiber connectors, which are formed by mechanical or laser cleaving, eliminates the need for polishing and provides a smooth, reliable mating surface, optionally with an angled or perpendicular orientation, and incorporates an air gap to reduce reflections and signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If polishing is used to form the mating endface, then the connection quality can be improved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical polishing process with a chemical etching process. The etching process uses chemical solutions to remove material and form the mating endface, eliminating the need for mechanical polishing tools and operations. This substitution reduces the time required while maintaining endface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the process parameters from mechanical (polishing pressure, speed, abrasion) to chemical (etching solution concentration, exposure time, temperature). This parameter transformation enables faster processing while achieving comparable or superior endface quality through controlled chemical etching.
2Manufacturing precision
If polishing is performed on optical fibres, then the connection quality improves, but the process becomes skilled and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skilled mechanical polishing operation with a simpler chemical etching process. The etching process requires less skill and expertise compared to polishing, as it involves applying chemical solutions rather than manipulating mechanical tools. This makes the process more accessible to less skilled operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical etching process is more forgiving and self-correcting compared to mechanical polishing. The etching solution automatically removes material uniformly, and the process can be easily controlled through solution composition and exposure time, reducing the need for skilled manual intervention and precision control.
3Reliability
If traditional connectorisation methods are used, then connections can be made, but signal loss and instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the endface formation method from mechanical polishing to chemical etching, which produces different surface characteristics. The etched surfaces have specific optical properties that reduce scattering and reflection, thereby minimizing signal loss and improving connection stability and reliability.
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
Cleaved endfaces offer faster, more consistent connections with reduced signal loss and improved durability, allowing for cost-effective and customizable connectors suitable for on-site installations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fibre for optically mating with a complementary optical fibre
Implementation Method 2
A profile of the mating fibre endface is formed and finished by cleaving
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fibre connector for connecting to a complementary optical fibre connector is provided. The optical fibre connector comprises a ferrule comprising a coupling face for coupling with a complementary coupling face of said complementary optical fibre connector; and an optical fibre for optically mating with a complementary optical fibre of the complementary optical fibre connector, the optical fibre extending through the ferrule along a fibre axis and having a mating endface being exposed at the coupling face of the ferrule. A profile of the mating endface is formed and finished by cleaving.