Integrated Optoelectronic Connector With Rotatable Signal Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices require separate connectors for optical and electrical signals, leading to a complicated physical layout and operational inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic connector design that integrates both optical and electrical signal transmission capabilities, utilizing an inner frame, conductive terminals, an elastic unit, a housing, a base member, and a sleeve member, allowing for simultaneous power and signal transmission through a rotatable fitting groove mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate connectors are used for optical and electrical signals, then signal transmission functionality is achieved, but device complexity and physical layout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical signal transmission (through optical fiber) and electrical signal transmission (through conductive terminals) into a single integrated connector body. The connector housing simultaneously accommodates both optical and electrical connection components, allowing both types of signals to be transmitted through one unified interface rather than requiring separate connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both optical and electrical signal transmission through a single device. The universal connector interface supports diverse signal types (optical and electrical) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors and simplifying the overall connection system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used for different signal types, then complete signal transmission is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging optical and electrical connection functions into a single connector assembly, the system requires only one connection operation to establish both optical and electrical signal paths. Users connect one unified interface instead of managing multiple separate connectors, significantly improving operational convenience.
3Device complexity
If a single connector integrates both optical and electrical transmission, then physical complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector is designed with modular segmentation, where optical and electrical components are positioned in distinct, pre-defined locations within the housing. The inner frame structure provides separate positioning features for optical fibers and conductive terminals, allowing precise positioning of each component type while maintaining overall integration. This segmented approach simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling independent positioning of optical and electrical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connector housing are designed with specialized local characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The optical interface region incorporates precise alignment features and protective structures for optical fibers, while the electrical interface region provides corresponding positioning and contact structures. This localized optimization allows each component type to achieve its required precision within its dedicated zone while contributing to the overall integrated design.
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 design provides a stable and efficient means to transmit both optical and electrical signals, enhancing operational convenience and reducing physical complexity by integrating signal transmission into a single connector.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic unit, wherein one end of the elastic unit is elastically connected to the inner frame and the other end of the elastic unit is elastically connected to the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An optoelectronic connector (C) includes an inner frame (10), a core component (20), two conductive terminals (30), an elastic unit (40), a housing (50), a base member (60), and a sleeve member (70). The core component (20) is elastically displaceably inserted into the inner frame (10) along a first direction (D1). The conductive terminals (30) are inserted into the inner frame (10). One end of the elastic unit (40) abuts against the inner frame (10). The housing (50) has a wall portion (51), a fitting groove (52), a first end opening (53), and a second end opening (54). The first end opening (53) and the second end opening (54) are at two ends of the wall portion (51), the housing (50) is rotatably fitted over the inner frame (10) and the abuts against the other end of the elastic unit (40), and the fitting groove (52) is defined through the wall portion (51). The base member (60) passes through the second end opening (54) and is positioned with the inner frame (10). The sleeve member (70) is fitted over the base member (60).