Modular Optical Connector Ferrule Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of optical signals in electronic devices has led to space constraints for connectors, as devices shrink, making it difficult to accommodate the necessary components and signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical connector system featuring coupled optical ferrule support modules with rotating optical ferrules and passageways that allow for flexible configuration and alignment, enabling efficient signal transmission while accommodating the reduced space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced, then portability and compactness are improved, but space for connectors and components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple modular ferrule support modules, each capable of independent configuration. This segmentation allows the connector to be scaled to different sizes and configurations, enabling compact designs while maintaining adequate space for each component within the modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional stacking and spatial arrangement of ferrule support modules to accommodate multiple optical signals in a compact volume. By transitioning from two-dimensional to three-dimensional configuration, the connector achieves high signal density without increasing footprint area.
2Productivity
If number of optical signals is increased, then information transfer capability is improved, but space requirements for connectors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector handles multiple optical signals by segmenting them into separate ferrule support modules, with each module managing specific waveguides and ferrules. This modular approach allows scalable configuration to match information transfer requirements without proportionally increasing overall connector space.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule support modules are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can accommodate different numbers and types of optical ferrules and waveguides. This universality enables the same modular component to serve multiple signal channels, increasing information transfer capability without requiring proportionally more space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular configuration is implemented, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into standardized ferrule support modules with defined coupling interfaces. This segmentation provides configurability through module selection and arrangement, while the standardization of interfaces reduces the complexity of coupling compared to fully custom designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ferrule support modules are merged together through standardized coupling mechanisms to form the complete connector assembly. This merging approach achieves high adaptability by combining pre-designed functional units, reducing the overall design and manufacturing complexity compared to creating a entirely custom connector for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular optical connector includes a plurality of coupled optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module comprises module connecting features configured to couple each ferrule support module with one or more neighboring ferrule support modules of the plurality of ferrule support modules. One or more optical ferrules are disposed and configured to rotate within the ferrule support module. Each optical ferrule includes a first attachment area configured to attach to one or more optical waveguides. One or more passageways are disposed within the ferrule support module. Each passageway is configured to receive the one or more optical waveguides. The passageway comprises a second attachment area configured to attach to the optical waveguides that are attached to the optical ferrule at the first attachment area. The passageway is dimensioned to constrain the optical waveguides to bend within the housing between the first attachment area and the second attachment area.