Fiber Optic Connector Automated Inspection and Cleaning Tool

To address the NavyÆs need for an automated fiber optic (FO) termini inspection and cleaning equipment/tool for use on military aircraft, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Fiber Optic Connector Automated Inspection and Cleaning (FOCAL) tool based on an innovative design and integration of a quick-connect adaptor (QCA), imaging optics, a cleaning subsystem, and processing algorithms. Specifically, the novel implementation of a QCA based on a modular design, the innovative image optics with an autofocus mechanism, and the novel integration of autofocus, imaging processing, and decision making algorithms, makes FOCAL capable of automatically inspecting and cleaning various FO connectors and interconnect types, including working with connectors attached to weapons replaceable assemblies (WRAs), and disconnect panels meeting SAE AS50881, Section 3.7.1, on connectors with no less than 37 fiber optic termini, adapting to MIL and ARINC shell sizes 11¢25 connectors, as well as ARINC rectangular connectors. Both inspection and cleaning functions are integrated into a single FOCAL tool, which will enable concurrent inspection and cleaning to take place automatically and meet standards such as MIL-PRF-28800G and SAE. Its innovative design and compact form factor make it a standalone unit, and allow for operation in tight, confined spaces, and portability (capable of being carried by one person and being portability qualified under MIL-PRF-28800G), as well as comply with Navy cybersecurity requirements. As a result, it enables automated fiber optic termini inspection and cleaning equipment for use on military aircraft, and can be deployed across a broader range of maintenance and repair sites than existing devices, and will significantly reduce the logistical burden of maintenance processes, which directly address the Navy requirements and General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) modernization priority. In Phase I, Intellisense will demonstrate the feasibility of FOCAL by design, simulation, and evaluation of the FOCAL as an automated FO termini inspection and cleaning tool for use on military aircraft. We will also compare its approach to existing manual and automated solutions. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II. In Phase II, Intellisense plans to optimize the design, fabricate and demonstrate an engineering prototype in a simulated aircraft maintenance environment, and deliver two prototypes to the government for evaluation.