Fibre Optic Connector Assembly with Integrated Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for high data transmission rates in miniaturized products requires space-saving and cost-effective data connections, which existing optical waveguide connector systems fail to provide due to complexity, high costs, and increased installation effort compared to electrical high-frequency lines.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement featuring a plug-in connector with a fastening element, a transmitter/receiver unit, and a lens unit that connects an optical waveguide to a printed circuit board, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a locking element that secures the lens unit in place, reducing installation space and effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical waveguide connector systems are used to achieve high data transmission rates, then data transmission performance is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector body, fastening element, and locking element into a single integrated connector assembly that attaches directly to the printed circuit board. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate connector pieces and intermediate mounting structures, thereby achieving high data transmission rates while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality: the same connector body houses both the optical waveguide coupling interface and the printed circuit board mounting interface. The fastening element provides both mechanical attachment and positioning functions, while the locking element simultaneously secures the optical connector and prevents connector dislodgement. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If traditional optical waveguide connector systems are implemented, then high data transmission is achieved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is nested within the connector body that is itself attached to the printed circuit board. The optical waveguide coupling interface is housed inside the connector body, and the fastening and locking elements are integrated within the same structural envelope. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint and installation space required while maintaining high data transmission capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes the third dimension (height/depth) by extending the connector body perpendicular to the printed circuit board surface. The optical waveguide coupling interface is positioned in this vertical dimension, allowing the optical connection to be made without occupying additional lateral space on the circuit board, thereby reducing installation footprint
3Reliability
If complex optical waveguide connector systems are used, then high data transmission rates are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body, fastening element, and locking element are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps, eliminates the need for multiple separate component productions, and simplifies quality control, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high data transmission performance
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through the integrated fastening and locking elements. The fastening element automatically positions the connector on the printed circuit board, and the locking element automatically secures the optical connector in place. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex assembly tools and multiple assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
4Reliability
If optical waveguide connector systems with multiple components are used, then high data transmission is achieved, but assembly and disassembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body, fastening element, and locking element are combined into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the printed circuit board in one motion. The optical waveguide connector is simultaneously secured to the connector body through the integrated locking mechanism. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps from multiple separate operations to a single plug-in action, greatly reducing assembly effort while maintaining secure optical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element and locking element are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the connector body during manufacturing. The connector is delivered in a ready-to-install state where all mounting and securing mechanisms are already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly adjustments or multiple installation steps, reducing assembly effort to a simple plug-in operation
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 solution enables a compact, modular, and cost-effective data connection system with reduced complexity, allowing for efficient reuse and easy disposal, while maintaining high data transmission rates.
Implementation Method 1
The lens unit connects the transmitter/receiver unit to the optical waveguide in a light-conducting manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention comprises a connector arrangement (1) with a connector (2), an optical fiber (3) and a printed circuit board (4), wherein the printed circuit board (4) has at least a first through-hole (5) and a transmit/receive unit (6) for transmitting and/or receiving light signals, the connector (2) is positively and detachably connected to the printed circuit board (4) by means of at least one fastening element (7) which is guided through the first through-hole (5) and connected to the printed circuit board (4), the connector (2) has a first receiving space (8) which is at least partially adjacent to the transmit/receive unit (6), a lens unit (10) is arranged in the first receiving space (8) and connects the transmit/receive unit (6) to the optical fiber (3) in a light-conducting manner, and a locking element (11) is movably arranged on the connector (2).the locking element (11) is at least partially arranged within the first receiving space (8) and the lens unit (10) is attached in the first receiving space (8) and the locking element (11) is movable into an end detent position in which the locking element (11) projects at least partially into the first through-opening (5) and blocks the release of the fastening element (7) from the circuit board (4).