Integrated Micro-Optical Connector Holder with Spring-Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-optical connectors in optical assemblies are difficult to install and uninstall due to fragile and complex mating mechanisms, often resulting in broken fibers and the need for costly replacements during manufacturing and testing.
Innovation Solution
A micro-optical connector holder with an integrated mating system and a spring-pin mechanism that secures the holder lid and connectors without screws or glue, allowing for easy installation and removal of micro-optical connectors by aligning and compressing flanges to maintain constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mating mechanisms are used to secure micro-optical connectors, then the connectors can be held in place, but the mechanisms become fragile and difficult to assemble, causing fibers to break or unlatch
Solution Approach 1:
The holder lid and holder base are merged into a single integrated connector holder assembly that pre-aligns all mating mechanisms. The lid includes integrated alignment features and bearing surfaces that guide connectors into proper position, combining multiple securing functions into one unified structure that eliminates complex separate mating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder lid acts as an intermediary component between the holder base and the connectors. It provides bearing surfaces that compress connector flanges and include alignment features that guide connectors into proper mating position, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex locking mechanisms are used to secure connectors, then connection stability is improved, but the mechanisms become difficult to service during testing and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector holder is segmented into a removable lid and a base, allowing the lid to be easily detached for servicing. The lid can be removed without tools by simply pulling it away from the base, providing access to all connectors for testing and manufacturing activities while maintaining stable connections when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector holder employs elastic bearing surfaces that dynamically adjust to connector positions. The bearing surfaces include compliance features that allow for slight movements and self-alignment, maintaining stable connections while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and enabling easy removal for servicing.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used to hold connectors, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the number of parts increases making assembly more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple alignment features, bearing surfaces, and securing mechanisms are merged into the integrated holder lid and base assembly. The lid includes built-in alignment pins, bearing surfaces with compliance features, and connector retention structures all in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate alignment components and significantly reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder lid and base are pre-assembled with all alignment features and bearing surfaces in their correct positions during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when connectors are installed, they are automatically guided into precise alignment without requiring additional alignment operations or multiple adjustment steps during final assembly.
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 integrated connector holder simplifies the assembly and disassembly process, reducing the risk of fiber damage and enabling secure connections, thus reducing costs and time associated with repairs and replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The integrated mating system uses a spring-pin mechanism to keep the holder lid and connectors in place without the use of screws or glue
Implementation Method 2
The holder lid includes bearing surfaces to compress a flange of the connector plugs to secure the connector plugs in the integrated connector holder
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-optical connector holder with an integrated mating system for an optical assembly, typically on a modem PCBA. The integrated mating system is used to hold the micro-optical connectors together during assembly and to apply constant pressure keeping the connectors fully mated. The invention also uses a spring-pin mechanism to keep the holder lid and connectors in place without the use of screws or glue to make assembly easier. The integrated mating system allows the micro-optical connectors to be easily installed and uninstalled for manufacturing and testing purposes. The connector plugs and connector receptacles are aligned and secured by the integrated connector holder.