Universal Optical Fiber Mechanical Splice Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connection methods require separate connectors for different fiber diameters, making them cumbersome and costly to produce and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mechanical splice connector designed for larger optical fibers to connect both larger and smaller diameter fibers by inserting the smaller fiber into a tube, then into the connector, where it is fixed alongside an embedded fiber, allowing end-to-end alignment and secure connection without needing separate connectors for each diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanical splice connectors are prepared for each optical fiber diameter, then the connection reliability for each specific diameter is ensured, but the device complexity and the number of connector types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical splice connector is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple optical fiber diameters (e.g., 900μm, 600μm, 500μm, 250μm) through a single connector type. The connector body includes a positioning structure with adjustable elements that can adapt to different fiber sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors while maintaining reliable alignment and connection for each diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates adjustable positioning structures that can change their parameters (such as the position and configuration of alignment features) to match different optical fiber diameters. This allows the same connector hardware to be configured for different fiber sizes through parameter adjustment rather than requiring completely different connector designs for each diameter
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple types of mechanical splices are produced for different fiber diameters, then each connector is optimized for its specific fiber size, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single mechanical splice connector design is created that can manufacture and serve multiple fiber diameter applications. The universal connector uses standardized components and assembly processes that can accommodate different fiber sizes, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing separate optimized connectors for each diameter while maintaining appropriate alignment precision for each fiber type
3Reliability
If separate connectors are used for different optical fiber diameters, then each connection is optimized for its specific fiber, but the ease of operation and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The universal mechanical splice connector allows operators to use the same connector type for all optical fiber diameters, eliminating the need to select from multiple connector types. This simplifies operation by providing a consistent interface and maintenance procedure across different fiber sizes, while internal positioning structures ensure optimized alignment for each specific fiber diameter being connected
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an optical fiber connection method for using an optical fiber connector which includes a mechanical splice designed to connect a first optical fiber having a coating diameter D to mechanically connect two optical fibers that include a second optical fiber having a coating diameter d smaller than the coating diameter D. This method includes a first step of inserting the second optical fiber into a tube (30) to obtain a tubed optical fiber (31); a second step of fixing the tubed optical fiber (31) in a fiber holder (15); a third step of inserting the tubed optical fiber (31) into the mechanical splice (2) and placing distal ends of the two optical fibers including the tubed optical fiber (31) end to end; and a fourth step of fixing the tubed optical fiber (31) in the mechanical splice (2) in a state in which the distal ends of the two optical fibers are placed end to end.