Optical Fiber Connector Splice Sleeve for Gap-Free Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector technologies face issues with the reliability of fusion-spliced connections, requiring specialized apparatus, long processing times, and increased production costs due to the need for aramid fiber handling and precise alignment, which can lead to gaps and tensional forces affecting the stability and longevity of the optical fiber connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and structure for connecting optical fibers using a stop-ring structure and a reinforcing sleeve with a hot melt resin, where the optical fibers are fusion-spliced and then integrated with a tensile-strength body within the sleeve, ensuring a secure and stable connection without gaps and allowing for easy handling and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat-shrinkable tube is used to cover and contract around the fused connection portion, then the connection is protected, but a new dedicated apparatus is necessary and existing fusion-splicing apparatus cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat-shrinkable tube covering function with the existing fusion-splicing apparatus by integrating a heating mechanism into the apparatus, allowing the same device to perform both fusion splicing and tube contraction without requiring a separate dedicated apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion-splicing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: fusion splicing of optical fibers and subsequent heating/contraction of the heat-shrinkable tube, making it a universal device that eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment
2Reliability
If the tips of optical fibers are fused or connected, then the optical connection is established, but electrical discharging must be carried out in response to the widths of slits requiring a dedicated fusion-splicing apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical discharging function with the fusion-splicing process by integrating the discharging mechanism into the existing fusion-splicing apparatus, allowing both functions to be performed by a single device rather than requiring separate dedicated apparatus
3Reliability
If a reinforcing tube is used to protect the connection point, then the connection is protected from external force, but the number of processes increases and production cost becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcing tube application with the heat-shrinkable tube covering process, so that both protective functions are achieved in a single step rather than requiring separate processes, thereby maintaining productivity while providing comprehensive protection
4Strength
If aramid fiber is inserted to reinforce the optical fiber, then the tensile strength is improved, but the aramid fiber cannot be tightly attached to the optical fiber because a space is always produced between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a heat-shrinkable tube that contracts around the aramid fiber and optical fiber assembly, creating a tight fit that eliminates spaces between components while maintaining the tensile strength benefits of the aramid fiber reinforcement
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 enhances the long-term reliability of optical fiber connections by preventing damage from bending and deformation, allowing for easy fusion splicing and reducing the overall size of the connector, while enabling the use of generic fusion equipment and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
heating and heat-releasing the reinforcing sleeve such that the hot melt resin is melted into a molten resin which fills an inner space of the reinforcing sleeve, and solidifies therein
Implementation Method 2
a first end of the optical fiber of the optical connector is fuse-connected with a second end of an optical fiber protruding from a transmission element terminal part of the optical transmission element
Data Source
AI summary
A connection method connects an optical connector and an optical transmission element. The optical connector includes a connector housing, a stop-ring structure, and an optical fiber which protrudes from an end part of the stop-ring structure. The optical transmission element includes a tensile-strength fiber body. The connection method includes fuse-connecting a first end of the optical fiber with a second end of an optical fiber protruding from a transmission element terminal part of the optical transmission element; inserting a fuse-connected optical fiber part and the tensile strength fiber body inside a reinforcing sleeve provided with a hot melt body, and covering and bridging the transmission element terminal part and at least the end part of the stop-ring structure; and integrating the fuse-connected optical fiber part, the tensile strength fiber body, the transmission element terminal part, and the stop-ring structure, by a hot melt resin melted from the hot melt body.