External Optical Connector Layout for Compact Network Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network interface devices with both electrical and optical connectors positioned at the distal end face challenges in maintenance due to deep placement of optical ports and occupy excessive space on printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

A network interface device design featuring an external optical connector offset from the electrical connector, with a bent optical fiber section positioned outside the frame and accommodated by an optically sealed cover, allowing for easier access and reduced footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If both electrical and optical connectors are positioned at the distal end of the device, then the device structure is simplified and compact, but the optical port becomes difficult to access for maintenance and cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoptical port accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the optical connector from the electrical connector, positioning them at different locations. The optical connector is placed on the external surface of the frame while the electrical connector is at the distal end, allowing independent access to each connector type for maintenance and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical connector is positioned on the external surface of the frame rather than at the distal end, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This repositioning allows the optical port to be accessible from the front panel while maintaining the compact distal-end structure for electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If both electrical and optical connectors are positioned at the distal end of the device, then the overall device footprint is reduced, but the optical port is positioned deep inside the receptacle making maintenance difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidoptical port maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bent section of optical fiber acts as an intermediary element, routing the optical connection from the external optical connector on the frame to the internal optical port on the PCB. This allows the optical port to be positioned deep inside the receptacle for compactness while maintaining external accessibility through the bent fiber routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the optical fiber is routed internally through the frame, then the device structure is compact, but the bent section of the optical fiber occupies space and may cause light leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidlight leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bent section of the optical fiber is extracted from the internal frame structure and positioned externally. The optical fiber exits the frame through an opening, allowing the bent section to be routed outside the frame where it can be managed separately, preventing potential light leakage issues within the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An optically sealed cover is used to enclose the bent section of the optical fiber externally. This cover provides optical sealing to prevent light leakage while being a simple, easily replaceable component that doesn't require complex internal frame modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If the optical connector is positioned externally on the frame, then maintenance access is improved, but the device occupies more space on the printed circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical port accessibilityVSAvoidPCB space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11809001B2Network interface device with external optical connector

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

A device may include a frame, an optical connector coupled to an external surface of the frame, and an optical fiber comprising a bent section positioned external to an interior of the frame and connected to the optical connector.