Deformable Constraining Member for Optical Receptacle Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional optical communications modules face challenges in minimizing optical misalignment between fiber optic cables and optical connectors, leading to optical path loss, which is exacerbated by manufacturing issues and movement-induced play, and existing solutions like resilient retainers and epoxy adhesives either fail to prevent misalignment or hinder reinstallation.

Innovation Solution

The use of deformable constraining members, made from malleable materials, which are compressed to precisely align and secure optical receptacles within the module, ensuring minimal movement and allowing for easy disassembly, thereby maintaining alignment and facilitating reinstallation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resilient retainers (clips and springs) are used to apply pressure against the optical connector, then movement of the optical connector is prevented, but counteractive forces during insertion or flexing cannot be countered, leading to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of optical connector movementVSAvoidoptical alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The constraining member is divided into multiple constraining portions (first, second, third portions) that can independently engage with different features of the optical receptacle, allowing distributed force application and better alignment control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The constraining member utilizes elastic deformation (change in physical state) to transition from a relaxed state to a compressed state, enabling it to apply controlled pressure against the optical receptacle and counteract insertion forces while maintaining alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If epoxy adhesive is used to bind the optical connector to the housing, then good anchoring and alignment are achieved, but removal and reinstallation of the optical connector is prevented or hampered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical connector alignmentVSAvoidreinstallation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The constraining member transitions from a static rigid connection (epoxy) to a dynamic elastic connection that can be compressed and released, allowing the optical receptacle to be securely held during operation but easily removed when needed by simply releasing the compression force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (epoxy adhesive) with a mechanical elastic constraint system, where the deformable constraining member applies physical pressure to hold the optical receptacle in place, enabling both secure anchoring and easy removal through mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If traditional resilient retainers are used to constrain the optical receptacle, then the structure is simple, but the constraining force is insufficient to prevent misalignment under counteractive forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstraining mechanism structureVSAvoidalignment stability under load

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The constraining member combines features of resilient materials (for elastic deformation) with a multi-portion segmented structure, creating a composite constraint system that provides both simplicity and enhanced constraining capability under various loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution effectively minimizes optical misalignment, reduces optical path loss, and allows for easy reconfiguration or repair of optical communications modules by ensuring precise alignment and secure anchoring of optical connectors without permanent adhesion.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable constraining member is compressed to deform and urge the optical receptacle into alignment with the optical port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the deformable constraining member prevents wiggling of the optical receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic constraint: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9383529B1Optical communications module incorporating a deformable constraining member for constraining an optical receptacle

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

An optical communications module includes a housing that accommodates at least one optical receptacle having a cylindrical connector portion. The module further includes at least one deformable constraining member made of a material having a Young's modulus that allows the deformable constraining member to take on an initial deformity upon application of a compression force, but permits only a partial reversal of the deformity upon reduction or removal of the compression force. The initial deformity is created when the deformable constraining member is pressed against the cylindrical connector portion during assembly of the module. The initial deformity includes a deformed contour portion that conforms to at least a part of the cylindrical connector portion of the optical receptacle and prevents wiggling of the cylindrical connector portion after the cylindrical connector portion is pushed during assembly into an alignment notch provided in a lower housing portion of the module.