Pinless Ferrule Positioning Structure for Stable Optical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical connection structures that rely on positioning pins for ferrules result in larger external dimensions, affecting the optical connection quality due to the reference plane disposition in the longitudinal direction.

Innovation Solution

A ferrule design that includes a longitudinal reference surface positioned between the center line and the light-emitting surface, along with a biasing mechanism to stabilize positioning without pins, using a holding member with a recessed portion and inclined surface to correct misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If positioning is performed using the outer shape of the ferrule without using the pin, then the size of the ferrule is reduced, but the optical connection quality is affected due to the disposition of the reference plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of the ferruleVSAvoidoptical connection quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ferrule is divided into functionally distinct surfaces: a longitudinal reference surface for positioning, a light-emitting surface for optical output, and a center line for geometric reference. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The longitudinal reference surface acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the compact ferrule structure and the optical connection requirements. It provides a stable reference plane that enables precise positioning without requiring the use of pins, thus maintaining both small size and high connection quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the longitudinal reference surface is positioned closer to the light-emitting surface, then the ferrule size is reduced, but the positioning precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule sizeVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the positional parameter of the longitudinal reference surface relative to the light-emitting surface. By carefully selecting the position of this reference surface, the design achieves a balance between minimizing ferrule dimensions and maintaining sufficient positioning precision for high-quality optical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250389901A1Ferrule and optical connection structure

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 FUJIKURA LTD

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a ferrule and an optical connection structure capable of stabilizing optical connection quality when performing positioning without using pins. A ferrule (50) according to the present invention has a fiber hole (51) into which an optical fiber (F) is to be inserted, a light-emitting surface from which light that has passed through the optical fiber (F) is to be emitted, and a longitudinal reference surface (50a) that determines a position of the ferrule (50) in a longitudinal direction with respect to a receptacle (30). The longitudinal reference surface (50a) is positioned between a center line (O) passing through a center position of the ferrule (50) in the longitudinal direction and the light-emitting surface.