Stepped Guide Pins for Optical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel optical fiber connector systems face issues with guide pin insertion, where uniform diameter guide pins can cause chipping of microscopic particles, excessive wear, and require high insertion force, leading to impaired optical quality and alignment accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of guide pins with a stepped profile, featuring a first portion with a larger diameter, a second portion with a smaller diameter, and a transitional frusto-conical portion, along with polishing to remove burrs, ensures a stable and precise fit, minimizing wear and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform diameter guide pins are used, then the connector structure is simple, but insertion force is excessive and causes chipping and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is divided into multiple segments with different diameters: a first portion with a larger diameter for initial engagement, a second portion with a smaller diameter for final positioning, and a transitional portion between them. This segmentation allows the guide pin to perform different functions at different stages of insertion, reducing peak insertion force while preventing chipping and wear.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform diameter guide pins are used, then manufacturing is simple, but optical alignment accuracy deteriorates due to wear and particles
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the guide pin have different diameters optimized for their specific functions. The first portion has a larger diameter to reduce stress and prevent chipping during initial insertion, while the second portion has a smaller diameter for precise positioning. This local differentiation ensures that each section performs optimally, maintaining optical alignment accuracy without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire pin.
3Device complexity
If uniform diameter guide pins are used, then the design is simple, but reliability decreases due to particle chipping and excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The transitional portion of the guide pin acts as a cushioning element between the first and second portions. This frusto-conical section gradually transitions the diameter, preventing sudden stress concentrations that would cause chipping. The design anticipates and prevents wear and particle generation by distributing mechanical stress across the transitional portion during insertion, thereby enhancing connector durability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector has guide pins with stepped profiles. The connector includes a connector body, two or more optical ports, and two or more cylindrical guide pins. Each guide pin has a first portion with a first length, a second portion with a second length, and a transitional portion between the first and second portions. The first portion has a first diameter. The second portion has a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter.