Relay Lens System With Angular Offset For Angled Fiber Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber inspection devices struggle to inspect angled end faces of optical fibers without causing contamination or damage, as light reflects off at an angle, preventing image capture and requiring removal of the fiber and adjacent connectors, which increases the risk of contamination and damage.

Innovation Solution

An optical system with an objective lens system and a relay lens system, where the relay optical axis has a first angular offset with respect to the primary optical axis, allowing light to be directed to the angled end face and reflected back for image capture by an image sensor, even when the end face is recessed within a bulkhead, without removing the bulkhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light is directed at an angled end face, then the end face can be illuminated, but the reflected light does not return to the imaging system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination of end faceVSAvoidimage capture

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second angular dimension by offsetting the relay optical axis from the primary optical axis. This dimensional change allows the illumination path and collection path to be separated angularly, enabling light to be directed at the angled end face while the reflected light is redirected back to the imaging system through the angular offset in the relay lens system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The relay lens system acts as an intermediary between the objective lens system and the image sensor. It receives light from the objective lens, redirects it at an angle to illuminate the end face, and then captures the reflected light by utilizing the angular offset between its optical axis and the primary optical axis, thereby mediating the light path to enable both illumination and image capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the bulkhead is removed to inspect the end face, then direct access is achieved, but contamination and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to end faceVSAvoidcontamination and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical system into two distinct parts: an objective lens system for illumination and a relay lens system for image capture. This segmentation allows the relay lens system to be positioned within the bulkhead to access the end face through the angled interface, while the main imaging system remains outside, eliminating the need to remove the bulkhead and reducing contamination and damage risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically removing the bulkhead with an optical solution. By using the relay lens system with an offset optical axis, the system achieves access to the end face through angular light redirection rather than mechanical removal, thereby maintaining the protective function of the bulkhead while enabling inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a standard optical axis is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot capture images from angled surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical system structureVSAvoidinspection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry by offsetting the relay optical axis from the primary optical axis. This asymmetric configuration allows the system to adapt to angled end faces, as the relay lens system can redirect light at the appropriate angle to illuminate and capture images from the angled surface, while the rest of the system maintains a standard symmetric structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 the inspection of angled end faces without removing the bulkhead, reducing the risk of contamination and damage, and allowing for the determination of cleanliness and damage without introducing additional contaminants.

Implementation Method 1

provide light reflected from the end face to the objective lens system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11849202B2System for illuminating and viewing recessed angled surfaces

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

AI summary

An optical system may include an objective lens system having a primary optical axis and a relay lens system having a relay optical axis. The relay optical axis may have a first angular offset with respect to the primary optical axis. The objective lens system may be configured to provide light from a light source to the relay lens system and provide light from the relay lens system to an image sensor. The relay lens system may be configured to provide light from the objective lens system to an end face of an optical fiber, where the end face has a second angular offset with respect to a cross-sectional axis of the optical fiber. The relay lens system may provide light reflected from the end face to the objective lens system.