Light Pipe Connector With Orthogonal Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light pipe connector systems face challenges in maintaining high-bandwidth, low-latency optical connections due to light dispersion and optical 'crosstalk' caused by air gaps and mechanical compliance issues, which limit the placement density and efficiency of optical interconnects in electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically compliant light pipe connector assembly with optically transmissive and reflective surfaces is designed to guide and focus light from a light source to a detector, using a protrusion and receptacle configuration with orthogonal reflective surfaces to minimize dispersion and maximize signal integrity, allowing for high-density optical interconnects between electronic modules and PCBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air gaps are present in the light pipe connector assembly, then mechanical compliance and ease of assembly are improved, but light dispersion and optical crosstalk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe connector is divided into multiple sections (first light pipe connector section and second light pipe connector section) that can be assembled separately. Each section has its own reflective surfaces and structural features, allowing modular assembly while maintaining optical integrity when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion and receptacle configuration acts as an intermediary mechanical feature that bridges the two light pipe connector sections. This intermediary structure provides controlled mechanical compliance while maintaining a continuous optical path, eliminating air gaps that would cause light dispersion.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical compliance is increased to allow flexible assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but optical connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe connector incorporates dynamic mechanical features (protrusion and receptacle) that allow for controlled movement and compliance during assembly, while maintaining stable optical connection when assembled. The structure adapts to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design changes the mechanical parameters of the connection interface, using the protrusion-receptacle geometry to provide both compliance during assembly and stability during operation. The orthogonal reflective surfaces are positioned at specific orientations to maintain optical path stability.
3Productivity
If orthogonal reflective surfaces are added to guide light, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surfaces are merged with the light pipe connector structure itself rather than being separate components. The first and second light pipe connector sections each incorporate reflective surfaces as integral features, combining optical guiding functionality with the mechanical connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe connector sections serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical connection (protrusion-receptacle interface), guide light transmission (orthogonal reflective surfaces), and maintain optical alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical guiding components.
4Manufacturing precision
If protrusion and receptacle configuration is used for mechanical engagement, then assembly precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into two separate sections that can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes. The protrusion and receptacle features are created as separate elements that are then assembled together, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific manufacturing requirements.
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 solution enhances light transmission efficiency and reduces optical 'crosstalk' by maintaining a controlled optical path, enabling high-density, high-bandwidth, and low-latency optical connections compatible with existing electronic components, while allowing for flexible placement and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface of a first connector section, the first connector section being optically transmissive
Implementation Method 2
guiding, using reflective surfaces of the light pipe connector, the transmitted light from the first surface to a second surface of the light pipe connector
Data Source
AI summary
Light can be transmitted between a light source and a light detector or target by using at least two mating connector sections of a light pipe connector. A protrusion of one of the connector sections is designed to be received within a receptacle of another of the connector sections, which can make the light pipe connector mechanically compliant. The two connector sections are fabricated from an optically transmissive material, and have optically reflective surfaces in orthogonal orientations to optically transmissive surfaces adjacent to the light source and the light detector. When the protrusion of one of the connector sections is engaged within the receptacle of another connector section, light can be transmitted through optically transmissive surfaces adjacent to a light source and a light detector, while the orthogonally oriented optically reflective surfaces direct light towards the light detector.