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FTP Engineering

Product: Universal Ferrule Adapter
Project type: Concept and machined prototype
Client type: medium sized corporate OEM

Fiber optic bundles are common in medical devices such as endoscopes. The distal end, i.e., the end away from the patient, of the bundle connects to Xenon or LED light engines. These distal ends, often known as ferrules, come in range of different diameters, as an industry standard does not exist. The universal ferrule adapter fits all these diameters. All ferrules are gripped securely, are coaxial to the optical path, and positioned at the correct focal distance. Ferrules are easily and quickly inserted with one hand, and easily removed with a quick ΒΌ turn of a knob. The universal ferrule adapter is an easy bolt on accessory to an existing light engine and does not increase product stacking height. Fully integrated with ferrule sensing for safety.

Assembled to light engine
Assembled to light engine
Assembles to light engine with four screws
Assembles to light engine with four screws
Ferrules
Ferrules
Jaws gripping ferrule with smooth shaft
Jaws gripping ferrule with smooth shaft
Jaws gripping ferrule with stepped shaft
Jaws gripping ferrule with stepped shaft
Adapter does not increase product height
Adapter does not increase product height
Ferrule sense light path not compromised
Ferrule sense light path not compromised