Light Transmissive Wedge Tool for Fiber Optic Connection Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connector wedge tools struggle to provide clear visibility of light transmission due to light dispersion caused by their design, making it difficult to determine a complete fiber connection, especially in well-lit environments.
Innovation Solution
A wedge device with a light transmissive insert body featuring a faceted upper face and a light pass structure that increases in width, combined with lateral flanges and catches, to enhance light concentration and visibility during fiber connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional wedge design with oppositely-directed catches and an intervening gap is used, then the wedge can be mechanically secured in the holder, but light disperses and visibility is reduced making it difficult to determine connection status
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is divided into two separate components: a securement wedge that provides mechanical attachment with catches, and a light transmissive insert that provides optical functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate light transmissive insert is introduced as an intermediary element that fits within the wedge structure. This insert serves as the optical mediator that transmits light clearly while the outer wedge structure provides mechanical securement, resolving the conflict between structural integrity and optical clarity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a transparent wedge material is used to enable VFI function, then light transmission can be observed, but light disperses due to the wedge shape and design features reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with a faceted upper face that has different local optical properties. The facets are arranged to concentrate and direct light transmission in specific directions, creating areas of high light intensity that make connection status easily detectable while maintaining the overall transparency needed for VFI function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the wedge has a standard upper face design, then manufacturing is simple, but light concentration and brilliance are insufficient for clear visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The upper face of the insert features multiple faceted surfaces that act as light-guiding elements. These facets are angled and curved to concentrate transmitted light into brilliant, focused beams that are highly visible, transforming the simple light transmission into concentrated light display while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
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
The new design provides clear, brilliant light attenuation upon successful mechanical splice, improving the visibility of connection status and efficiency in determining a complete fiber connection.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge may have a VFI (Visual Fault Identify) function, which enables the installer to identify the mechanical splice connection inside the connector by checking applied visible light from the connector end. In particular, transmitted light is visible as it passes through a transparent wedge.
Implementation Method 2
The insert body defines a wedge portion integrally extending into a light pass structure, the light pass structure terminating in a single upper face distal from the wedge portion. The upper face being faceted to define a plurality of planar surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A wedge device for use with a fiber optic connector comprises an insert body comprising a light transmissive material. The insert body defines a wedge portion integrally extending into a light pass structure, the light pass structure terminating in a single upper face distal from the wedge portion. For example, wedge device may be a unitary member formed entirely of the light transmissive material.