Polarization Maintaining Connector Ferrule Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polarization maintaining optical fiber patch cords require precise alignment and adjustment of the optical axis, which is challenging due to angular deflection during the pre-curing process, leading to scrapped products and low production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A polarization maintaining connector with an outer frame, ferrule structure, and adjustment member that allows for initial angle adjustment of the ferrule before curing, ensuring precise alignment and preventing subsequent angular changes by transitioning to a holding state that secures the ferrule structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the optical fiber angle is adjusted by rotating the optical fiber during pre-curing, then the alignment precision is improved, but angular deflection occurs due to incomplete drying of the adhesive leading to product scrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into three main segments: the outer frame, the ferrule structure, and the adjustment member. This segmentation allows the adjustment member to be independently manipulated to rotate the ferrule structure for precise alignment, while the outer frame remains stable. The independent adjustability eliminates the need to rotate the entire optical fiber assembly, preventing adhesive deflection while achieving accurate alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment member is designed to be movable relative to the outer frame, enabling dynamic adjustment of the ferrule structure's angle during the pre-curing stage. The adjustment member can slide axially and rotate circumferentially, providing dynamic control over the alignment process. After adjustment, the system transitions to a static locked state to maintain precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical fiber angle is adjusted during pre-curing, then the alignment is improved, but the equipment occupancy rate increases leading to low production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment member enables preliminary angle adjustment of the ferrule structure to be performed quickly during the pre-curing stage, before the adhesive fully cures. This preliminary alignment action is completed while the system is still flexible, avoiding the need for time-consuming adjustments after full curing. The quick adjustment capability reduces equipment occupancy time and improves production efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ferrule structure is secured after adjustment, then the angle stability is improved, but the adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the adjustment member and the outer frame is designed to be dynamically changeable. During the pre-curing stage, the adjustment member can rotate relative to the outer frame to enable ferrule alignment. After adjustment is complete, the system transitions to a locked state where the adjustment member is circumferentially constrained relative to the outer frame, preventing further rotation and maintaining the achieved alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative connection state between the adjustment member and the outer frame changes from rotatable to non-rotatable based on the curing stage. During pre-curing, the system allows rotational movement for adjustment. After curing, the system transitions to a fixed rotational state, changing the parameter of relative mobility to maintain precision while preventing deflection.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a polarization maintaining connector. The PM connector includes an outer frame, a ferrule structure and an adjustment member. The outer frame forms a main structure of the PM connector. The ferrule structure is provided with a channel for a fiber core to pass through. The ferrule structure is at least partially disposed inside the outer frame and forms a slidable and rotatable connection with the outer frame. The adjustment member forms an axially slidable connection with the ferrule structure and is circumferentially non-rotatable relative to the ferrule structure. The adjustment member is relatively rotatable to the outer frame and has a rotating state and a holding state. The adjustment member keeps relatively rotatable to the outer frame when in the rotating state and keeps relatively secured to the outer frame when in the holding state.