Electro-Optical Connector With Gradient-Index Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack the ability to efficiently integrate optical fibers for increased bandwidth and reduced noise in high-speed data applications, limiting their functionality beyond electrical power and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The development of electro-optical connector systems that utilize gradient-index lenses for robust optical coupling between optical fibers and active components, enabling bi-directional communication over a single optical fiber while incorporating debris-relief zones to prevent optical loss due to debris build-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber is integrated into electrical connectors, then bandwidth and noise performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical conductors and optical fiber into a single hybrid cable assembly, merging two different transmission media into one integrated structure. This allows simultaneous electrical and optical connectivity while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates both electrical contacts and optical fiber coupling within a single connector body, enabling the same connector to handle multiple types of signals (electrical power, electrical data, optical data) through a unified interface.
2Reliability
If gradient-index lenses are used for optical coupling, then optical signal transmission is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient-index lens acts as an intermediary optical element between the optical fiber and the active component. It mediates the optical coupling by gradually refracting light rays, which relaxes alignment tolerances and reduces the precision requirements for fiber-to-component positioning compared to direct coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The gradient-index lens changes the refractive index parameter gradually from the center to the edges, creating a self-focusing effect that compensates for misalignments and reduces the sensitivity to manufacturing variations in fiber positioning.
3Reliability
If debris-relief zones are incorporated, then optical loss from debris is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts or removes the problematic debris from the optical path by providing dedicated debris-relief zones that collect and contain particles away from the critical optical coupling areas, preventing them from causing signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potentially harmful effect of debris into a beneficial arrangement by deliberately providing designated zones where debris can accumulate without affecting optical performance, thus transforming a problem into a solved condition.
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
These systems provide enhanced bandwidth and reduced noise by enabling high-speed, bi-directional optical communication, extending the functionality of electrical connectors and increasing cable lengths in high-speed data applications.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-optical connectors described herein use gradient-index lenses as a rugged interface between the optical fiber of the electro-optical connector and an active component of an electro-optical receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
Electro-optical connectors and connector systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electro-optical plug includes a tip connector, a ring connector, and a sleeve connector, wherein the tip connector, the ring connector, and the sleeve connector are electrically conductive. The electro-optical plug further includes a gradient-index lens co-axially disposed within at least the tip connector, wherein the tip connector has a tip window that optically exposes a coupling surface of the gradient-index lens, and an optical fiber that is co-axially disposed within at least the sleeve connector. In another embodiment, an electro-optical connector includes a plug body having a planar electrical coupling surface with an array of electrically conductive contacts, and an optical coupling surface having at least one optical window. The electro-optical connector further includes a gradient-index lens disposed within the plug body. A coupling surface of the gradient-index lens is optically exposed at the at least one optical window.