Optical Scanning Adapter for Multi-Fiber Connector Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic connector inspection technologies face challenges in efficiently inspecting multiple-row connectors without physically shifting the inspection probe or microscope and without the need for frequent focus adjustments, especially when dealing with multiple rows of endfaces.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning adapter allows the imaging axis of the inspection probe/microscope to be shifted in two orthogonal directions over the ferrule surface of a multiple-fiber connector using an x-direction and y-direction driving mechanism, ensuring that the focus remains constant across all endfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inspection probe or microscope physically shifts to inspect each endface in multiple-row connectors, then all endfaces can be inspected, but the inspection process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam scanning assembly as an intermediary component between the fixed inspection probe/microscope and the multiple-row connector. This assembly includes movable mirrors that deflect the imaging axis to scan across different endfaces, allowing the inspection probe to remain stationary while achieving comprehensive coverage of all endfaces in multiple rows.
2Productivity
If the imaging axis is shifted over multiple rows of endfaces, then all endfaces can be inspected, but frequent focus adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the beam scanning assembly to maintain a substantially constant distance from the ferrule surface across all endfaces in multiple rows. This is achieved through careful optical design where the movable mirrors change the imaging axis direction without significantly altering the working distance, thereby maintaining continuous focus across all inspected endfaces without requiring frequent refocusing.
3Device complexity
If the inspection probe remains fixed while inspecting multiple-row connectors, then the device structure is simplified, but the imaging axis cannot be shifted to cover all endfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically moving the entire inspection probe with an optical approach using movable mirrors in the beam scanning assembly. Instead of mechanically relocating the inspection probe to different positions, the system uses optical deflection to redirect the imaging axis across multiple endfaces, thereby maintaining a fixed probe position while achieving versatile coverage.
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
This solution enables efficient inspection of multiple-fiber connectors by allowing the imaging axis to be shifted over the ferrule surface without physical movement of the inspection probe or microscope, eliminating the need for frequent focus adjustments, thus improving inspection efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective surface, tilted at 45° relative to an optical axis of the first lens, for reflecting a ray along the optical axis of the first lens in a transverse direction
Implementation Method 2
a second reflective surface, tilted at an angle from the optical axis of the second lens, for reflecting the transverse direction ray along the optical axis of the second lens
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning adapter for shifting the imaging axis of an inspection probe for inspecting fiber endfaces of a multiple-fiber connector includes a housing, a fitting tip having a mating interface for interfacing with the connector, an imaging assembly, an x-direction driving mechanism, a y-direction driving mechanism, and a connecting portion for connecting an inspection probe. The imaging assembly includes a first lens, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a second lens. The connector endfaces are placed on the front focal plane of the first lens. The x-direction driving mechanism shifts the imaging axis of the imaging assembly along a first direction by translating the first lens and the first reflective surface together, whereas the y-direction driving mechanism shifts the imaging axis along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction by turning the second reflective surface about the optical axis of the second lens.