Light Pipe Routing Through Protective Shell Cage Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors face challenges in effectively utilizing space for light pipes due to limited cage dimensions, which affects the installation and functionality of these components.
Innovation Solution
A protective shell assembly that includes a cage with wall surfaces defining an accommodating space, where light pipes pass through these surfaces, allowing part of the light pipe to be inside and part outside the space, with features like perforations and extending portions to optimize space usage without compromising light pipe functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cage dimensions are reduced to compact the connector, then the overall size of the connector is reduced, but the space available for installing light pipes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is configured to pass through the side wall surface of the cage, extending from the interior accommodating space to the exterior. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the light pipe to utilize the vertical dimension and lateral space outside the cage, effectively increasing the available installation space without enlarging the overall connector footprint. The light pipe body portion remains within the accommodating space while its extending portion exits through the side wall, optimizing space utilization in multiple dimensions.
2Reliability
If the light pipe is entirely enclosed within the cage, then the structural protection is improved, but the light emission function cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is divided into two distinct portions: a body portion located within the accommodating space for structural protection and connection, and an extending portion that passes through the side wall surface to the exterior for light emission. This segmentation allows the light pipe to simultaneously achieve both protection (through enclosure of the body portion) and functionality (through exposure of the extending portion), resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and light emission requirement.
3Volume of stationary object
If the light pipe passes through the wall surface, then the space utilization is improved, but the protection of the light pipe from external damage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall surface is provided with a specifically designed perforation that accommodates the light pipe's extending portion. This localized structural feature provides controlled protection at the penetration point while maintaining the overall integrity of the cage. The perforation allows the light pipe to pass through while the surrounding wall structure offers localized shielding and mechanical support, balancing space utilization with protection against external damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shell assembly is used for accommodating a connector. The protective shell assembly includes a cage and at least one light pipe. The cage has a plurality of wall surfaces, and the wall surfaces are connected to at least one another to define an accommodating space. The at least one light pipe passes through one of the wall surfaces so that a part of the light pipe is located in the accommodating space and the other part is located outside the accommodating space. A connector assembly with the protective shell assembly is also provided.