Floating Optical Connector Alignment in Electrical Optic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical/optical connector systems experience reduced performance due to misalignment during blind mating of electrical and optical contacts, leading to suboptimal data transmission and increased electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of a floating optical connector with a biasing member and aligned optical connector housings to ensure proper alignment and secure mating, along with a biasing mechanism that maintains connection pressure, reduces misalignment and enhances data transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blind mating is used for electrical/optical connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but misalignment occurs reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
A floating optical connector assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrical connector and the optical fiber. This assembly includes a floating optical connector that can move independently to accommodate misalignment, acting as a mediator that absorbs positioning errors while maintaining reliable optical connection during blind mating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector is designed with floating capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during the mating process. The connector can move in multiple directions to self-align with the electrical contacts, transforming a static alignment problem into a dynamic self-adjusting system that maintains connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical and optical components are used concurrently, then functionality is improved, but complexity of system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector and optical connector are merged into a single integrated assembly where the optical connector is positioned within the electrical connector housing. This combining of electrical and optical functions into one unified structure reduces system complexity while maintaining the versatility of concurrent electrical and optical data transmission capabilities.
3Reliability
If misalignment is reduced through floating mechanism, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an electrical connector portion and a floating optical connector assembly. The optical connector is further segmented from the housing, allowing independent movement. This segmentation enables the floating mechanism to reduce misalignment without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating optical connector employs a self-aligning mechanism where the optical connector automatically positions itself relative to the electrical contacts through elastic deformation of the housing or spring-loaded elements. This self-service alignment reduces the need for external alignment mechanisms, maintaining reliability while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
This solution effectively minimizes misalignment during blind mating, ensuring stable and efficient data transmission while reducing electromagnetic interference, thereby improving the overall performance of electrical/optical connector systems.
Implementation Method 1
a floating optical connector with a biasing member and aligned optical connector housings to ensure proper alignment and secure mating, along with a biasing mechanism that maintains connection pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical/optical connector system can include a first circuit board with a floating optical connector and a first electrical contact and a second circuit board with a second optical connector to blind mate with the floating optical connector and a second electrical contact to blind mate with the first electrical contact.