Radial Ferrule Fixing Member for Compact Optical Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ferrule fixing mechanisms for optical fibers are bulky due to the extended length of locking mechanisms, which hinders miniaturization and stability in optical transceivers.
Innovation Solution
A ferrule fixing member comprising a first and second plate part sandwiching a resilient member, a pressing part to compress the resilient member for ferrule fixation, a locked part engaging with the holding member's locking part, and extending parts to facilitate compact design and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with extended finger lever is used to fix the ferrule, then the ferrule can be securely fixed to the holding member, but the longitudinal length of the fixing mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the finger lever from the longitudinal direction to the radial direction of the ferrule. The first and second plate parts are arranged radially outward from the ferrule, sandwiching the resilient member in the radial direction rather than extending along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional change allows the fixing mechanism to achieve secure locking without increasing the longitudinal length of the optical transceiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is nested between the first and second plate parts in the radial direction, creating a compact structure. The finger lever is integrated into the plate parts structure, with the extending part connecting the second plate part to the locked part, allowing components to be nested and integrated rather than extending linearly, thus reducing overall longitudinal length while maintaining fixing reliability.
2Force
If the resilient member is compressed to hold the ferrule, then constant pressing force is maintained, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part is merged with the first and second plate parts, forming an integrated structure. The resilient member is positioned between these plate parts, combining the pressing function and the locking function into a single integrated assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining constant pressing force through the resilient member.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically maintains constant pressing force on the ferrule through its elastic properties. When the finger lever is released after insertion, the resilient member self-compresses and exerts continuous pressing force without requiring additional control mechanisms. This self-service特性 maintains force consistency while minimizing structural complexity.
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 significantly downsizes the ferrule fixing mechanism, maintains constant pressing force, and allows for easy assembly and removal while preventing unintended separation, thus enhancing the compactness and reliability of optical transceivers.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing part configured to press the resilient member such that the ferrule is pressed against a bottom side of the holding hole by a resilient force of the resilient member
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule fixing member for fixing a ferrule to a holding member with a holding hole into which the ferrule is inserted. The ferrule fixing member includes a first plate part and a second plate part configured to face each other while sandwiching an resilient member arranged on an outer periphery of the ferrule in a radial direction thereof, a pressing part configured to press the resilient member such that the ferrule is pressed against a bottom side of the holding hole by a resilient force of the resilient member, a locked part configured to be engaged with a locking part formed in the holding member, and an extending part configured to extend from the second plate part to the locked part. The locking of the locked part and the locking part is released by moving the first plate part and the second plate part close to each other.