Mid-board Optical Module Clip and Adapter for Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting optical fibers to mid-board optical modules lack effective strain relief and efficient heat dissipation, which can lead to reliability issues and increased power consumption in high-throughput fiber optic networks.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a laminate with a clip, retainer, and adapter system that secures optical fibers in predetermined positions, using a heat-conducting cover to dissipate heat and maintain optical alignment, ensuring reliable communication and reducing stress on fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are connected to mid-board optical modules using conventional methods, then the connection can be established, but strain relief is insufficient leading to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements strain relief by nesting the optical fiber within a ferrule, which is then held by a retainer structure integrated into the adapter assembly. The ferrule contains the fiber tip, the retainer secures the ferrule, and the adapter provides overall structural support, creating a nested protective system that relieves strain on the fiber while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning through the design of the retainer structure that pre-position and secure the ferrule before any strain can be applied to the optical fiber. The retainer is configured to hold the ferrule in a predetermined position, providing strain relief protection in advance before operational stresses occur.
2Productivity
If heat-generating components are used in high-throughput fiber optic networks, then bandwidth and throughput are improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient leading to power consumption issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive cover as an intermediary heat dissipation component. This cover is positioned between the heat-generating optical components and the ambient environment, serving as a thermal mediator that conducts heat away from the components efficiently while allowing the high-throughput operation to continue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts heat from the system by using the thermally conductive cover to pull thermal energy away from the heat-generating optical components. This extraction of heat prevents temperature buildup while maintaining the high throughput performance required for modern fiber optic networks.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical fibers are positioned without precise alignment structures, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and optical alignment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the ferrule in a predetermined location using the retainer structure during the assembly process. This pre-positioning ensures that when the optical fiber is connected, the alignment is already established, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, holds the ferrule in position, enables optical alignment, and facilitates connection. This multi-functionality achieves precise fiber alignment without requiring separate dedicated alignment mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and reliable connection with reduced power consumption by ensuring accurate fiber alignment and efficient heat dissipation, enhancing the performance of high-throughput fiber optic networks.
Implementation Method 1
a cover formed with a heat conducting material, the cover including a planar portion sized and dimensioned to be positionable upon a heated component of the laminate to thereby conduct heat away from the heated component
Data Source
AI summary
A system for connecting a fiber optic cable to a laminate has a clip which attaches to a cover on the circuit board. The clip supports ferrules which are connected to a photonic device on the board. The clip has a backplane which supports retainers which hold the ferrules. The clip also has mating attachments for connecting to the cover. The cover additionally serves as a heat dissipater, which can include heat from the photonic device. An adapter is connected to the cover and receives the ferrules supported by the clip. The adapter connects to a standard connector, such as an LC connector. The adapter can be positioned at the edge of the laminate, or can be attached at an angle extending from an interior region of a circuit board to which the laminate is mounted.