Adapter Sleeve Contacting for Modular Optoelectrical Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical waveguides used in handheld apparatuses lack a simple and modular securing mechanism and effective electrical contacting method, making it difficult to transmit both optical and electrical signals reliably.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectrical guide/conductor system comprising an optical waveguide with an organic sheath layer and a conductive layer, integrated with an adapter sleeve that provides mechanical and electrical contact, allowing for secure insertion and precise alignment within a connection mount, enabling the transmission of both optical and electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical waveguides are used in handheld apparatuses, then optical signal transmission is enabled, but mechanical securing and electrical contacting become complex and non-modular
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter sleeve merges mechanical securing and electrical contacting functions into a single integrated component. The sleeve mechanically embraces the optoelectrical guide/conductor arrangement while simultaneously providing electrical contact through its conductive structure, eliminating the need for separate securing and contacting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support and positioning, enables electrical contact through its conductive properties, and facilitates modular exchangeability. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while improving reliability of signal transmission.
2Ease of operation
If modular and exchangeable securing is implemented, then ease of replacement is improved, but precise arrangement and electrical contacting become difficult to achieve simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The optoelectrical guide/conductor arrangement is nested within the adapter sleeve, which provides a precise cylindrical receiving opening. This nested structure ensures accurate positioning and alignment while maintaining modular exchangeability, as the sleeve's internal geometry guides precise arrangement during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter sleeve acts as an intermediary between the optoelectrical guide/conductor arrangement and the connection mount. It provides a standardized interface that ensures precise arrangement through its geometric features while enabling easy insertion and removal, thus facilitating modular exchangeability without compromising precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive coating is applied on optical waveguide, then electrical signal transmission is enabled, but electrical contacting and mechanical securing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter sleeve combines mechanical securing and electrical contacting functions into a single component. The sleeve's conductive structure provides electrical contact with the conductive coating on the optical waveguide while simultaneously providing mechanical support and positioning, simplifying the overall contacting mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectrical guide/conductor system is provided that includes an optoelectrical guide/conductor arrangement and an at least regionally electrically conductive adapter sleeve. The arrangement has an optical waveguide with an outer, organic sheath layer and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is a single layer or a sequence of layers, which is directly or indirectly on the outer sheath layer. The sleeve mechanically embraces the arrangement and electrically contacts the conductive layer such that the adapter sleeve is insertable into a connection mount, arranged e.g. on a handpiece, for transmitting optical and/or electrical signals through the conductive layer.