Multilens Array Optical Connector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-cost optical components hinder the replacement of electrical components with optical components in high-performance computer systems, where optical communication offers advantages such as low power consumption and high bandwidth but is economically prohibitive for large-scale implementation.

Innovation Solution

The development of low-cost optical multifiber connectors with multi-fiber ferrules and multilens arrays, which include a housing, raised collar, strain relief boot, and alignment posts, enabling efficient alignment and connection of optical fibers, reducing material costs while maintaining high bandwidth and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional electrical components are used for data transmission, then system compatibility and ease of implementation are maintained, but power consumption increases and bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through copper traces and connectors with optical signal transmission through optical fibers. Optical components including transmitters, receivers, and optical interconnects substitute for electrical components, enabling data transmission via light waves instead of electrical signals, thereby achieving lower power consumption and higher bandwidth capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If optical components are used for data transmission, then bandwidth and power efficiency are improved, but component cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidcomponent cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple optical components including transmitters, receivers, and optical interconnects into a unified optical communication system. By merging these components and implementing them as integrated optical modules, the system achieves high bandwidth and power efficiency while reducing the overall cost compared to implementing discrete optical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical communication system is designed to provide multiple functions including high-speed data transmission, power efficiency, and scalability. The optical interconnects can serve various communication needs within the system, replacing multiple electrical interconnects with a single optical infrastructure that provides universal communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If electrical interconnects are used to connect blades or line cards, then system cost is kept lower, but transmission loss increases and signal integrity degrades at high data rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidtransmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through copper interconnects with optical signal transmission through optical fibers. This substitution eliminates the transmission loss and signal integrity degradation inherent in electrical interconnects at high data rates, as optical signals do not suffer from resistive losses, crosstalk, or electromagnetic interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 cost-effective alternative for high-bandwidth optical communication in computer systems, reducing power consumption and latency, and enabling efficient data transmission with improved durability and alignment of optical fibers.

Implementation Method 1

optical fibers offer very large bandwidths. For instance, the optical carrier frequencies can range over 10^14 Hz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Implementation Method 2

multilens arrays, which include a housing, raised collar, strain relief boot, and alignment posts, enabling efficient alignment and connection of optical fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS9052475B2Fiber optics connectors

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Optical multifiber connectors with multiple termination ferrules and multilens arrays are disclosed. In one aspect, an optical fiber connector includes a multilens array and at least one alignment post. The lenses protrude from a first surface of a transparent plate, and the least one alignment post protrudes from a second surface of the transparent plate opposites the first surface. The connector includes a first standoff frame disposed on the first surface and a second standoff frame disposed on the second surface.