Hybrid Plug Connector With Optical Collimation And Asymmetric Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies face limitations in data transfer rates and distance due to copper connections, and require precise alignment and protection of optical interfaces in hybrid cables to minimize signal loss and ensure reliable mechanical connections.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector and receptacle system that includes optical and electrical components to collimate and focus light beams, with a robust design and locking mechanism for precise alignment and dust protection, allowing efficient data transfer and power supply to electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If optical waveguides are directly coupled to transmit optical signals with low losses, then optical signal transmission quality is improved, but precise alignment of optical waveguides becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical alignment features (protrusions and recesses) as intermediary elements that mediate between the optical waveguides and the connector housing. These features automatically align the optical waveguides during insertion, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while ensuring low-loss optical signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-aligned optical waveguides within the connector assembly before final installation. The optical waveguides are pre-positioned and fixed relative to the connector housing, so that when the connector is inserted into the receptacle, the optical alignment is already established, reducing the complexity of achieving precise alignment.
2Loss of energy
If optical interface is protected from dust, then optical performance is improved, but accessibility for cleaning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dust cap as a flexible protective cover that seals the optical interface when not in use. The dust cap can be easily removed and reattached by the user, providing dust protection while maintaining accessibility for cleaning. The cap's design allows simple manual operation without requiring tools or complex mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If plug connector and receptacle are designed with small form factor, then device integration is improved, but mechanical connection robustness becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric locking features where a protrusion on the connector engages with a corresponding recess in the receptacle. This asymmetric design provides a secure mechanical lock that prevents accidental disconnection while maintaining a compact form factor. The interlocking geometry ensures reliable connection without requiring large connector dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the compact connector design: optical signal transmission through waveguides, electrical power supply through conductors, and mechanical locking through integrated protrusion-recess features. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the patent achieves robust mechanical connection and reliable performance within a small form factor suitable for consumer electronic devices.
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 system enables low-loss optical signal transmission and power supply with a compact, reliable, and easy-to-clean design, suitable for high-bandwidth communication in small consumer electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical device to change a diameter of a light beam between a first side of the at least one optical device to be coupled to the at least one optical fiber and a second side of the at least one optical device such that the light beam received from the at least one optical fiber at the first side of the at least one optical device is collimated
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector for a hybrid cable comprises a fiber and wire holder to hold at least one optical fiber and at least one electrical conductor of the hybrid cable. The plug connector comprises at least one optical device being configured such that a light beam received from the at least one optical fiber at a first side of the at least one optical device is collimated and coupled out at the second side of the at least one optical device. The plug connector comprises an electrical contact pin to be coupled to the at least one electrical conductor of the hybrid cable. The electrical contact pin has a structure being configured to be engaged in a complimentary receptacle to mechanically fix the plug connector to the receptacle.