Dual Connector Carrier Simultaneous Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transceivers require separate connectors for optical and electrical signals, leading to potential errors in connection order and complexity in deployment, as they need to be plugged in and out for replacement, which can result in incorrect sequencing during connection.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver with integrated electrical and optical connectors housed in a single assembly, allowing simultaneous connection to both types of sockets, with a handle mechanism ensuring correct sequencing by allowing the optical connector to be engaged before the electrical connector, and featuring latching mechanisms to secure the connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If separate optical transceiver and connector cable are used, then flexibility in replacement is improved, but connection order control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical transceiver and connector cable into a single integrated assembly where the connector is permanently attached to the transceiver housing. This merging eliminates the separate cable component while maintaining replacement flexibility, and simultaneously ensures correct connection order through the integrated design where the optical connector protrudes further than the electrical connector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical transceiver and connector cable are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the connector directly into the transceiver assembly, the patent reduces deployment complexity from managing two separate components to handling one unified device. The integrated design maintains adaptability through proper connector positioning while eliminating the complexity of coordinating separate cable and transceiver connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-attached to the transceiver in the correct configuration during manufacturing, with the optical connector positioned to engage first. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to correctly assemble or position separate components during deployment, simplifying the installation process while ensuring proper connection sequence.
3Ease of operation
If integrated housing with simultaneous connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the optical and electrical connectors within the integrated housing, with the optical connector extending further than the electrical connector. This asymmetric design provides built-in mechanical guidance that ensures correct engagement sequence while establishing clear manufacturing tolerances for the differential protrusion distances, balancing ease of operation with achievable manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver for connection between an optical socket and an electrical socket is disclosed. The optical transceiver includes an electrical connector and an optical connector. The optical transceiver has an electronics housing holding the electrical and optical connectors in relative position to each other allowing the simultaneous connection to an electrical socket and an optical socket. The electrical and optical connectors may be moved between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the electronics housing when being engaged or disengaged with respective electrical and optical sockets.