Sealed Fiber Optical Connector Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater fiber optic connectors face challenges in deep-sea environments due to extreme pressure and temperature conditions, which can cause deformation, corrosion, and misalignment of optical fibers, leading to connection failures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pressure equalization system with a transfer tube and spring-loaded optical fiber holders, ensuring constant contact force and alignment between optical fibers, even under varying pressure conditions, using a configuration that includes a connection face, chamber, and biasing elements to maintain a pressure communication link and prevent pressure-dependent forces from affecting the optical fiber holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector is designed to withstand high water pressure, then the connector strength and seal integrity are improved, but the complexity of the pressure equalization system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional modules: a pressure equalization chamber, optical fiber holders, and sealing mechanisms. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the pressure equalization system to be integrated without overwhelming complexity while maintaining overall connector strength.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer tube acts as an intermediary element between the pressure equalization chamber and the optical fiber holders. This mediator component transmits pressure equalization forces to the fiber holders, enabling the system to handle high water pressure while keeping the design manageable through modular interaction between components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spring-loaded optical fiber holders are used to maintain contact force, then the alignment stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber holders are designed with spring-loaded mechanisms that provide dynamic contact force. The springs automatically adjust to maintain optimal pressure on the optical fibers despite external pressure changes, ensuring stable alignment without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded holders are self-regulating and automatically maintain the required contact force through their elastic properties. The system serves itself by using the spring's inherent mechanical properties to compensate for pressure variations, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
3Stress or pressure
If a pressure communication link is provided between connection face and chamber, then the pressure equalization is improved, but the risk of water ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure communication function is extracted into a separate transfer tube that is spatially separated from the optical fiber connection path. This extraction allows the pressure equalization mechanism to operate independently, reducing the risk that water ingress through the pressure link would directly affect the optical connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sealing mechanisms and pressure equalization pathways that are designed to prevent water ingress before it can reach the optical fibers. The transfer tube and chamber configuration creates a protected pathway that cushions against harmful water intrusion while maintaining pressure balance.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability and longevity of underwater fiber optic connections by maintaining constant contact force and reducing the risk of fiber misalignment and damage from pressure imbalances, ensuring stable communication in deep-sea environments.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer tube for equalizing the pressure between two connectors when the two connectors are coupled together
Implementation Method 2
spring loaded optical fiber holders within the connector having side openings therein for the passage of optical fibers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for connecting optical fibers. In one aspect, a connector includes a transfer tube for equalizing the pressure between two chambers within the two connectors when the connectors are mated. The chambers may house biasing elements coupled to optical fiber holders to provide a pressure independent force against optical fiber terminals. The optical fiber holders may include side openings for receiving optical fibers.