Cradle Connector Assembly for High-Channel Optical Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-channel-count equipment installations face challenges in manufacturing due to the need for multiple optical links and high line rates, which complicate the use of conventional connectors and reduce overall system yield, especially when trying to maintain high yield per channel.
Innovation Solution
A cradle system that holds multiple connectors, allowing simultaneous or nearly simultaneous connection to corresponding receptacles on a substrate, using a spring mechanism to accommodate dimensional variances and ensure secure alignment, with optional lever and rod mechanisms for secure positioning and cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple optical engines or connectors are mounted on a single PCB to increase channel count, then the number of optical channels in a single subsystem increases, but manufacturing difficulty increases and overall yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the high-channel-count interconnect system into multiple separate connector assemblies (e.g., four 12-channel connectors instead of one 48-channel connector). Each connector is independently manufactured and tested, then assembled into a cradle that interfaces with the PCB. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with higher yield while achieving the desired total channel count through aggregation.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple connectors are used to increase channel count, then the number of optical channels increases, but the complexity of the connection architecture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple separate connector assemblies into a single integrated cradle structure that interfaces with the PCB as one unit. The cradle holds multiple connectors in precise alignment and provides a unified mechanical and electrical interface to the PCB, effectively merging the complexity of multiple connectors into a single manageable assembly while maintaining high channel count.
3Productivity
If multiple connectors are simultaneously connected to the PCB, then manufacturing efficiency increases, but the precision required for simultaneous seating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle serves as an intermediary component between the multiple connectors and the PCB. It provides a pre-assembled, pre-aligned structure that holds multiple connectors in precise relative positions. When the cradle is installed on the PCB, all connectors are simultaneously or nearly simultaneously seated with the required precision, eliminating the need for individual precise alignment of each connector while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.
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 cradle system increases system yield by simplifying the connection process, reducing manufacturing complexity, and enabling high-channel-count configurations while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency and flexibility, supporting up to 28 Gbps transfer rates.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that pushes on the connectors with a force greater than an insertion force of the first receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a substrate including a first row of first receptacles, a cradle including an opening and a spring member, connectors located within the opening, and cables connected to the connectors. The cradle is configured to connect each of the connectors simultaneously or nearly simultaneously to a corresponding first receptacle, and the spring member pushes on the connectors with a force greater than an insertion force of the first receptacle.