Pitch Conversion Apparatus for Optical Fiber Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for terminating optical fibers to multi-fiber connectors and splicing require a 250 micrometer coating diameter, which is not compatible with newer optical fibers having smaller coating dimensions, leading to issues in spacing and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A pitch conversion apparatus that aligns and sequences optical fibers with a smaller coating diameter to achieve a 250 micrometer pitch diameter, using a base member with a separator element and fiber holder to maintain proper alignment and spacing, allowing for efficient connectorization and splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If optical fibers with smaller coating diameter (200 micrometers or smaller) are used, then cable size and weight are reduced, but compatibility with existing multi-fiber connectors and splicing apparatuses that require 250 micrometer pitch diameter is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch conversion apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the smaller-coating-diameter fibers and the existing 250 micrometer pitch connectors. It temporarily converts the pitch diameter of 200 micrometer or smaller coated optical fibers to 250 micrometers, enabling compatibility with existing multi-fiber connectors and splicing apparatuses without requiring changes to those established systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the geometric parameter (pitch diameter) of the optical fiber array from its original smaller dimension (200 micrometers or smaller) to the standard 250 micrometers. This parameter transformation is achieved through mechanical spacing elements that enforce the correct pitch distance between adjacent fibers during processing.
2Productivity
If optical fibers with smaller coating diameter are used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved by eliminating ribbonizing steps, but alignment and spacing precision in multi-fiber connectors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch conversion apparatus performs preliminary alignment and spacing of the optical fibers before they are inserted into the multi-fiber connector or splicing apparatus. By pre-converting the pitch diameter and establishing proper fiber spacing in advance, the device ensures that fibers are correctly positioned before the actual connection or splicing operation, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus replaces the traditional mechanical ribbonizing process with a pitch conversion mechanism that uses spaced support elements to directly establish the correct pitch diameter. This substitution maintains manufacturing efficiency while ensuring precise alignment through the geometric constraints of the spacing elements rather than through complex ribbon formation procedures.
3Speed
If optical fibers with smaller coating diameter are used, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for pitch conversion apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch conversion apparatus is segmented into modular components including spaced support elements, a clamping mechanism, and a fiber insertion guide. This segmentation allows the device to perform multiple functions (spacing, aligning, clamping, and guiding) through simple, discrete elements rather than requiring a complex integrated system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for providing 200 micron, or smaller, coated optical fibers with a 250 micrometer pitch diameter in preparation for insertion into a Multi-fiber Push On connector (MPO) and/or splicing apparatus. The apparatus can sort, arrange, and clamp optical fibers into a proper sequence to allow the coated optical fibers to be aligned for processing, for example, connectorization and/or splicing. The apparatus includes a separator element that defines grooves for receiving and sequencing coated optical fibers with respect to each other to set a uniform pitch diameter.