Rotatable Ferrule Optical Coupling for Low-Power Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical path switching technologies face challenges in reducing power consumption, size, and economic efficiency due to the need for motors, complex assembly processes, and high energy requirements for alignment and rotation, leading to increased power consumption and connection losses.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupler using two ferrules with convex spherical end faces and a rotatable mechanism, where the ferrules are aligned to prevent contact and minimize reflection, reducing power consumption and connection losses through precise alignment and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a motor is used to move the stage or prism for optical path switching, then the switching function is achieved, but the power consumption increases due to the need for continuous torque output and precise linear motion conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path switching mechanism uses periodic rotation of the ferrule at discrete angular intervals (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) rather than continuous motion. The motor only needs to provide torque during switching transitions and can remain idle during stable operation, dramatically reducing average power consumption while maintaining full switching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static motor-driven linear stage to a dynamic rotatable ferrule mechanism. The ferrule can be rotated to different angular positions to achieve optical path switching, eliminating the need for continuous motor operation and precise linear motion conversion, thereby reducing power consumption
2Power
If a robot arm is used to control insertion and extraction of optical connectors, then the switching function is achieved, but the power consumption increases to several tens of watts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex robot arm mechanism from the optical switching system. Instead of using a robot arm to physically manipulate connectors, the system uses a simple rotatable ferrule mechanism that achieves the same switching function with minimal power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical robot arm system is replaced with a simplified rotational mechanism. The ferrule rotation provides the necessary switching function without requiring the high-power actuation, precision control, and mechanical complexity of a robot arm
3Power
If the ferrule is rotated for optical path switching, then the switching function is achieved, but frictional force between the ferrule and sleeve increases the energy requirement
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricant is applied to the ferrule-sleeve interface before operation to reduce friction. This preliminary action ensures smooth rotation of the ferrule during switching operations, minimizing the torque required from the motor and reducing energy consumption during rotation
4Power
If the ferrule is rotated for optical path switching, then the switching function is achieved, but the fiber end faces may contact and cause deterioration in optical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber end faces are polished with a spherical curvature instead of being flat. This curvature creates a natural gap between opposing fiber ends when the ferrule rotates, preventing direct contact and the associated deterioration of optical characteristics while maintaining effective optical coupling
5Reliability
If a gap is formed between fiber end faces to prevent contact, then the reliability is improved, but reflection increases and requires special coating
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical polishing of fiber end faces serves dual purposes: it prevents contact between fibers during rotation by maintaining a natural gap, and it reduces reflection by creating an angled interface that directs reflected light away from the optical path, eliminating the need for additional anti-reflection coatings
Data Source
AI summary
An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an optical coupler and an optical switch capable of achieving stable optical characteristics with low power consumption and more economical efficiency with respect to external factors. In order to achieve the aforementioned object, an optical coupler according to the present disclosure is an optical coupler which couples an optical fiber of a single core disposed in two ferrules using a sleeve, in which a first ferrule of the two ferrules has a plurality of optical fibers disposed in a bundle shape in a fiber hole on the same circumference around a ferrule center axis, at least one of the two ferrules is rotatable about the ferrule center axis, and butted end parts of the two ferrules have a convex spherical shape having a center point on the ferrule center axis.