Hermaphroditic optical fiber ferrule
US8672560B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3893
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention pertains to an optical coupling method and apparatus in which the connectors are hermaphroditic and each connector comprises a ferrule that provides (1) the coarse alignment of the fibers, (2) the fine alignment of the fibers, and (3) the releasable latching of two such ferrules to each other. Hence, two such ferrules can be used to connect optical fibers without the need for connector housings. The ferrule of this system includes an alignment protrusion and a complementary alignment hole on the front face of the ferrule for providing the fine alignment. Coarse alignment is provided by longitudinally-directed protrusions extending forwardly of the front face, and recesses in the ferrule that are complementary to the protrusion such that two such ferrules can be mated to each other with the protrusions of one such ferrule fitting snugly within the recesses of the other such ferrule. A releasable latching mechanism is provided on one or more of the protrusions and its complementary recess, such as a bump on one of the protrusion and recess and a mating divot on the other.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.