Optical Switch Ferrule Segmentation for Low Friction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switches using cylindrical ferrules for path switching in optical fiber networks face issues with high power consumption due to excessive side pressure, frictional forces, and potential damage from side pressure, as well as increased cost from requiring special coatings or oblique polishing to prevent reflection.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch design featuring a rotation mechanism with a first and second ferrule, where the core centers of single-core fibers are arranged on the same circumference, and a cylindrical sleeve with a predetermined gap allows for low frictional force by applying pressure via a spring, enabling stable optical characteristics with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cylindrical ferrule is rotated to perform optical path switching, then path switching capability is achieved, but excessive side pressure is generated between the ferrule and sleeve causing high frictional force and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is divided into a rotating portion and a fixed portion. The rotating portion rotates about the central axis to switch optical paths, while the fixed portion remains stationary to provide stable support. This segmentation allows the rotating portion to perform switching without generating excessive side pressure on the sleeve, thereby reducing frictional force and power consumption while maintaining path switching capability.
2Reliability
If a gap is provided between fiber end surfaces to prevent contact damage, then fiber end surface damage is prevented, but signal deterioration due to reflection from air layer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
An index-matching material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fiber end surfaces. This material has a refractive index matching the fiber core, eliminating the air layer that causes reflection. The index-matching material fills the gap between fiber end surfaces, preventing both contact damage and reflection loss simultaneously.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If oblique polishing is applied to the ferrule end surface to prevent reflection, then reflection is reduced, but interference from end surface occurs during rotation and large gap is required increasing connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using oblique polishing which creates end surface interference during rotation, an index-matching material is used as an intermediary to fill the gap between fiber end surfaces. This eliminates the need for large gaps and prevents both reflection and end surface interference, achieving low connection loss without the drawbacks of oblique polishing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ferrule rotates to switch optical paths, then path switching is achieved, but extra energy is required to separate ferrule end surfaces to prevent scratching
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is segmented into rotating and fixed portions, allowing the rotating portion to switch paths without requiring separation of end surfaces. The fixed portion provides stable support during rotation, eliminating the need for extra energy to prevent scratching while maintaining path switching capability.
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 achieves stable optical characteristics with low power consumption and reduced cost by minimizing frictional force and preventing damage, while eliminating the need for special coatings or oblique polishing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that applies pressure to a first flange of the first ferrule or a second flange of the second ferrule so that a distal end portion of the first ferrule and a distal end portion of the second ferrule abut on each other
Implementation Method 2
having a predetermined gap between outer diameters of the first ferrule and the second ferrule and an inner diameter of the hollow portion so that the first ferrule or the second ferrule is rotatable
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to enable an optical switch capable of driving stable optical characteristics with respect to external factors with low power consumption to be achieved at low cost.The present disclosure is an optical connection device that connects a first ferrule and a second ferrule, the optical connection device including: a cylindrical sleeve into which the first ferrule and the second ferrule are inserted; a spring that abuts a distal end portion of the first ferrule and a distal end portion of the second ferrule on each other; and a holder that holds the first ferrule, the second ferrule, the cylindrical sleeve, and the spring, in which the first ferrule or the second ferrule is movable in any direction perpendicular to a central axis in the holder, and is held by the holder so as not to rotate about the central axis.