Optical Module Connector Cover With Pivoting Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical transceiver modules with mid-plane mounting configurations face difficulties in aligning and securing the cover-and-connector assembly due to their small size, which can lead to damage of alignment pins and a high profile, making it challenging to protect the reflective surfaces from contamination.
Innovation Solution
A connector cover with a lower recessed portion and extending arms that guide and secure the reflecting connector, allowing for a pivoting mechanism to align and snap-fit engagement with the transceiver module housing, ensuring proper alignment and protection of the optical reflector surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is provided to protect reflective surfaces from contamination, then protection of reflective surfaces is improved, but the profile height of the connector assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a recessed lower portion that receives the connector body, nesting the protected components within the cover structure. This allows the cover to protect the reflective surfaces and alignment pins without significantly increasing the overall profile height, as the protected components are housed within the recessed area rather than extending the full height of the assembly
2Measurement precision
If alignment pins are used to align the connector with the module housing, then alignment precision is improved, but the risk of pin damage increases due to small module size
Solution Approach 1:
The cover includes extending arms with engagement features that preliminarily engage with corresponding features on the module housing before the alignment pins are inserted. This preliminary engagement guides and stabilizes the connector assembly, ensuring proper alignment is established before the delicate alignment pins are inserted into their bores, thereby reducing the risk of pin damage
Solution Approach 2:
The extending arms of the cover act as intermediary elements between the connector assembly and the module housing. These arms provide a robust initial connection and alignment mechanism that protects the more fragile alignment pins from direct stress and misalignment forces during the connection process
3Volume of moving object
If the connector assembly is made compact to match small module size, then ease of operation is worsened, but device compactness is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a cover portion with extending arms for engagement and alignment, a recessed lower portion for receiving the connector body, and the connector body itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the extending arms provide ease of operation through robust engagement features, while the recessed portion maintains compactness by nesting the connector body within the cover structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution facilitates easier and secure connection of the optical transceiver connector system, protecting the reflective surfaces and preventing damage to alignment pins, while providing tactile feedback and ensuring centered alignment for reliable optical signal communication.
Implementation Method 1
An optical signal emitted from the end of a fiber is reflected at an angle of 90 degrees through a corresponding optical port of the reflecting connector and into the transceiver module fiber port
Data Source
AI summary
A connector cover includes a body having a lower recessed portion configured to receive a portion of a reflecting connector of a type that retains the ends of optical fibers therein and has a reflector that redirects or turns the optical signals. The body has an upper housing portion that covers the reflector when the reflecting connector is received in the lower recessed portion of the body. The body also has a pair of arms extending from a forward end of the body. Each arm has a distal end with an arm distal end engagement. The arms are configured to engage a portion of an optical transceiver module.