Optical fiber switch with a deformable structure

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A moving fiber optical switch has a deformable pivotable element having a flexible portion and two ends at which opposite optical fiber ends are mounted to align each other in a controlled manner. The number of parts subject to wear resulting in an impairment of the accuracy of the switch has been reduced compared to earlier designs. The deformable element forms an open ring or a frame the ends of which are laterally displaceable relative to each other. The ends are restrained or partly immobilized such that during a pivotal movement of the ring or frame, the alignment of the ends and particularly the associated end portions of opposite optical fibers, is controllably changed.