Minimalist Footprint Optical Port with Frame Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer devices such as smartphones and tablets face challenges in providing optical connectivity that can withstand harsh environments and numerous mating/unmating cycles, as existing optical ports are prone to damage and wear.
Innovation Solution
The design of an optical port with a minimalist footprint where the optical elements are exposed at the device's frame, providing a smaller surface area that is protected and easy to clean, with alignment features and magnets for secure mating, allowing 80% or more of the optical interface area to be covered by the frame, and the optical elements can be integrally formed with the mounting body or secured as discrete lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical port designs are used, then optical connectivity is provided, but the optical port is prone to damage and wear during mating/unmating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The optical port is segmented into distinct functional zones: the optical element opening is separated from the mating interface. The frame provides a protective boundary around the optical element, while the mating interface is positioned away from the optical element, allowing independent optimization of each zone for durability and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure provides a protective cushion around the optical element opening, absorbing mechanical stresses and impacts before they reach the optical element. This pre-protection mechanism reduces damage and wear during harsh handling and mating cycles.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional optical port designs are used, then optical connectivity is provided, but the footprint is large and exposed to environment
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element extends beyond the mounting surface in the vertical dimension, creating a protruding interface that reduces the horizontal footprint. This dimensional change allows the optical element to be exposed at the frame edge, minimizing the area occupied on the device surface while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as a thin protective shell that encloses the optical element opening, providing environmental protection with minimal material and thickness. This thin-film approach reduces the overall footprint while maintaining protection against environmental factors.
3Area of stationary object
If optical elements are exposed at the frame, then minimalist footprint is achieved, but alignment precision during mating must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The frame serves as an intermediary structure between the optical element and the external environment. It provides precise mechanical references and alignment features that ensure accurate positioning during mating, while the optical element itself remains exposed for minimal footprint. The frame mediates between the need for precision and the need for minimal exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simplified frame-based reference system. The frame's rigid structure and precise geometry provide inherent alignment cues, eliminating the need for additional mechanical alignment components and reducing the exposed area while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are optical ports and devices having a minimalist footprint. Specifically, the optical ports and devices have a footprint where the optical elements are exposed at a frame of the device. Additionally, a frame of the device provides a portion of the mating surface for engaging a complimentary optical plug during mating with the optical port on the device. This minimalist footprint advantageously allows for a smaller portion of the optical port to be exposed to the environment and subject to damage and/or wear. Further, the optical port provides a clean and sleek optical port on the device with a relatively small surface that may be cleaned or wiped by the user as necessary.