Hybrid Optical-Electrical Connector Layout for Space-Efficient Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical/electrical hybrid cables require separate optical and electrical connections, leading to increased space occupation and inefficiency in communication systems, especially when high access rates exceed 10 Gbps, as they necessitate the use of optical fibers for longer distances.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical/electrical hybrid male connector that integrates optical and electrical connectors as a whole, allowing for synchronous insertion and removal, and effectively utilizes idle space between optical connectors, reducing the overall size and improving installation efficiency by incorporating a male electrical connector between optical connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical connection apparatus and electrical connection apparatus are used, then optical communication and electrical power supply functions are achieved, but large space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical connector and electrical connector into a single integrated male connector assembly. The optical connectors are positioned on the top surface of the base body, while the electrical connector is positioned on the front surface, allowing both optical communication and electrical power supply functions to be achieved through a single coupling interface with the female connector, thereby reducing the occupied space compared to using separate connection apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector is designed as a universal interface that simultaneously provides optical signal transmission and electrical power supply capabilities. By integrating multiple functions (optical communication and electrical power supply) into one connector, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate connection apparatus, thus reducing the overall space occupation while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If optical connector and electrical connector are integrated as a whole, then synchronous insertion and removal is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated male connector is segmented into distinct functional modules: optical connectors mounted on the top surface and an electrical connector positioned on the front surface. Each module is independently designed and positioned on the base body, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing the integrated structure compared to creating a fully monolithic design, while still achieving synchronous insertion and removal functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If male electrical connector is positioned between optical connectors, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is designed with different surface regions optimized for specific connector types: the top surface is configured to accommodate optical connectors with appropriate mounting structures, while the front surface is designed for the electrical connector. This local quality differentiation allows each connector type to be positioned optimally for its function, improving overall space utilization while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements through region-specific design considerations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an optical/electrical hybrid male connector, a female connector, and an optical/electrical hybrid connector system. The optical/electrical hybrid male connector includes a male base and at least two optical connectors. The male base includes a base body and at least two male accommodating channels disposed on the base body. The at least two male accommodating channels one-to-one correspond to the at least two optical connectors, and each optical connector is mounted on one corresponding male accommodating channel.