Pendular Arm Microscope Adapter for Multi-Fiber Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic connector inspection microscopes are inefficient in inspecting multiple fiber-optic endfaces simultaneously due to the need for manual scanning and limited field of view, making it difficult to maintain high cleanliness and prevent signal loss in multi-fiber connectors, especially those located in hard-to-access areas.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive device with a pendular arm, torsion spring, fitting tip, and bevel wheel mechanism that aligns the microscope's imaging axis along a circular track to inspect each fiber-optic endface individually, allowing precise alignment and inspection of multiple endfaces without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microscope with limited field of view is used to inspect fiber-optic endfaces, then sufficient magnification is achieved, but the ability to inspect multiple endfaces simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic scanning mechanism where the microscope's imaging axis is moved across multiple fiber-optic endfaces through a coordinated system of first and second driving assemblies. This allows the limited field of view microscope to sequentially inspect multiple endfaces, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high magnification and improving inspection efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If manual scanning is used to align the microscope with each endface, then inspection precision is maintained, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated alignment system where the first driving assembly moves the microscope along the optical axis while the second driving assembly positions the imaging axis across different endfaces. This self-service mechanism automatically achieves precise alignment without manual intervention, maintaining alignment precision while significantly reducing operation complexity and inspection time.
3Device complexity
If the microscope imaging axis is fixed, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to access hard-to-reach connectors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed imaging axis into a dynamic, movable imaging axis through the second driving assembly. This allows the microscope to adapt its viewing position across multiple endfaces, significantly improving accessibility to hard-to-reach connectors while adding only moderate device complexity through the incorporation of standardized driving mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient and precise inspection of all fiber-optic endfaces in a multi-fiber connector, ensuring cleanliness and preventing signal loss by automating the alignment process, thus improving maintenance efficiency and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion spring is disposed between the supporting body and the pendular arm to push the pendular arm relative to the supporting body in a predetermined rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
a bevel wheel with a slanted or spiral surface is used to displace the pendular arm for aligning a microscope with individual endfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A device for shifting the imaging axis of a microscope across the endfaces of a multi-fiber connector for inspecting the fiber-optic endfaces through the microscope comprises a supporting body for attaching at one end to the optical tube of a microscope; a pendular arm rotatably mounted to another end of the supporting body; a fitting tip attached to another end of the pendular arm; a bevel wheel fastened to the supporting body; and a torsion spring for pushing the pendular arm against a slanted surface of the bevel wheel. The bevel wheel is adapted to swing the pendular arm relative to the supporting body so that the imaging axis of the microscope is moved relative to the fitting tip to selectively align the imaging axis between adjacent fiber-optic endfaces for inspection.