Multi-Axis Optical Connector for End and Side Receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical signal connectors for optical communication networks are limited in their ability to efficiently connect optical modules to optical motherboards with varying receptacle configurations, such as end and side transmission receptacles, which can lead to reduced flexibility and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical signal connector with two distinct optical interface axes, allowing it to attach to different types of receptacles on an optical motherboard, including end and side transmission receptacles, thereby enabling flexible and compatible optical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical connector uses a single optical interface axis, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot connect to different types of receptacles (end and side transmission)
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is designed with a universal structure that can connect to both end transmission receptacles and side transmission receptacles. The connector housing includes multiple optical interface axes (first optical interface axis and second optical interface axis) that enable the same connector to adapt to different receptacle configurations without requiring multiple specialized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second optical interface axis in addition to the first optical interface axis, transitioning from a single-axis to a multi-axis configuration. This dimensional expansion allows the connector to interface with receptacles in different spatial orientations (end transmission along the first axis, side transmission along the second axis), thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical connector is designed for a specific receptacle type, then the connection is reliable, but the flexibility to connect to different receptacle configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector maintains reliable connections across different receptacle types by incorporating multiple optical interface axes. Each axis is designed to provide reliable optical coupling for its specific receptacle type (end transmission or side transmission), while the overall connector structure remains universal, allowing it to connect to either receptacle configuration without compromising connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical interface axes are integrated into one connector, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical interface functions into a single optical connector housing. Instead of using separate connectors for end transmission and side transmission receptacles, the invention combines both optical interface axes within one connector body, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to connect to different receptacle types.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical signal device for connecting to a receptacle of an optical motherboard includes an optical module and an optical connector coupled to the optical module. The optical connector attaches to the receptacle of the optical motherboard to optically connect the optical module to the optical motherboard. The optical connector has a first optical interface axis and a second optical interface axis different from the first optical interface axis. The optical connector is configured to convey optical signals to and/or from the optical motherboard along at least one of the first or second optical interface axes.