Ferrule for optical fiber connector having a compliant structure for clamping alignment pins

Abstract

A compliant structure clamps the alignment pins to accurately and precisely locate the alignment pins. The compliant structure supports the alignment pins with no clearance. The compliant structure is defined by at least a flexure in the form of a cantilevered structure extending at a side of the ferrule. The cantilevered structure, with or without a complementary support structure, defines a space in which an alignment pin can be supported. The flexure may be defined by one or more slots provided on the body of the ferrule to facilitate bending of the extended cantilevered structure. In another embodiment, the ferrule comprises a ferrule insert having grooves for supporting optical fibers, and a ferrule frame that supports the ferrule insert and alignment pins. The compliant structure is provided on the frame. In a further embodiment, the ferrule insert is provided with optical fiber grooves at its perimeter.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A ferrule for supporting an optical fiber in an optical fiber connector, comprising a compliant structure for clamping alignment pins. 
     
     
         2 . The ferrule as in  claim 1 , wherein the compliant structure comprises a flexure defined by a slot.