Detachable Optical Connector Assembly With Sealed Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interconnect systems face challenges with permanent attachment methods that lead to waste and increased costs due to the need for replacing both OES and OCA components when failures occur, and mechanical attachment methods are cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector assembly (OCA) design that allows for connectorized attachment using a connector housing, ferrule holder, spring, and gasket to maintain alignment and provide a seal, enabling easy detachment and reattachment without additional tools, while preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If permanent attachment methods are used to secure the optical connector assembly to the optoelectronic substrate assembly, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the ease of repair and waste reduction are worsened due to the need to replace both components when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector assembly is designed as a separate, detachable module from the optoelectronic substrate assembly. The connector housing can be removed from the substrate assembly without damaging either component, allowing the connector to be replaced independently while maintaining the integrity of the substrate assembly. This segmentation enables easy repair by simply detaching and replacing the connector module.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent attachment methods are used to secure the optical connector assembly to the optoelectronic substrate assembly, then the connection stability is improved, but the loss of substance and cost are worsened due to replacing both components when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented as a removable module that can be detached from the substrate assembly. This allows the connector to be replaced without discarding the substrate assembly, reducing material waste and lowering replacement costs while maintaining stable optical connections during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective replacement of only the failed connector component while recovering and reusing the substrate assembly. The detachable connector housing can be removed and replaced without damaging the underlying substrate, allowing recovery of the expensive substrate component and reduction of overall waste.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical attachment methods are used to secure the optical connector assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time is worsened due to cumbersome and time-consuming attachment and detachment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features that enable automatic alignment and secure attachment without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The mechanical design allows the connector to be attached and detached through simple manual actions, reducing both the complexity and time required for operation.
4Ease of repair
If the optical connector assembly is designed for easy detachment and reattachment, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to potential misalignment or contamination at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the connector housing and the substrate assembly. This gasket maintains a protective seal at the interface, preventing contamination while allowing easy attachment and detachment. The sealing mechanism ensures optical reliability by blocking contaminants from entering the interface during repeated connections and disconnections.
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 OCA design facilitates efficient and cost-effective maintenance by allowing easy replacement of failed components, reduces waste, and maintains optical performance by sealing against contaminants, thus enhancing system reliability and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located between the ferrule holder and the connector housing. The spring applies a separating force between the ferrule holder and the connector housing
Implementation Method 2
The gasket may be located between the connector housing and the socket. The coupling of the connector housing to the socket compresses the gasket to provide a seal between the optical connector assembly and the socket
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector assembly (OCA) includes a connector housing to maintain alignment between optical components housed within the OCA and photoelectric converters on an optoelectronic substrate (OES) assembly. The optical components include a ferrule and an optical cable. The ferrule is optically coupled to the optical cable. The OCA includes a ferrule holder to hold the ferrule within the OCA, and a spring located between the connector housing and the ferrule holder. The spring is to apply a separating force between the ferrule holder and the connector housing. The OCA includes a gasket coupled to the connector housing. The coupling of the connector housing to a socket compresses the gasket to provide a seal between the connector housing and the socket.