Magnetic self-mating fiber optic connector and fiber optic switch sensor

Patent · Tue Feb 28 00:00:00 EST 2023

OSTI ID:1987178

Neidigk, Stephen; Rice, Thomas M.

A system or method for a magnetic self-aligning coupling device for a fiber optic cable. The device includes a first end coupling comprising a first magnet and a second magnet. Both magnets include a mating surface and an annular ring defining an axial aperture. The aperture receives a distal end of a segment of fiber optic cable in a tight fit. The fiber optic cable has an exterior sleeve and a fiber core. The fiber core of the first segment and the second segment of the fiber optic cable are axially aligned by magnetic force in the first and second apertures to create a continuous fiber optic path. A method for detecting a security breach of a door using the self-aligning couplings is also described.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: NA0003525
• Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 11,592,625
• Application Number: 17/081,260
• OSTI ID: 1987178
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 10/27/2020
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English