Optical Adaptor for Multi-Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in precisely aligning and optically coupling connectorized optical cables with different types of connectors, as existing receptacles are often designed for specific connector types, making it difficult to integrate connectors from different manufacturers or with different sizes/shapes without replacing the entire receptacle.
Innovation Solution
An optical adaptor is designed to mount to a receptacle, featuring an optical interface with a mounting element that allows for precise alignment and mechanical coupling of connectorized optical cables, enabling the use of different connector types by acting as an intermediate component between the new connector and the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a receptacle is designed for a specific connector type, then precise optical coupling is achieved, but adaptability to different connector types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical adaptor as an intermediary component between the receptacle and connectors of different types. The adaptor includes a coupling element that receives various connector types and an optical interface that aligns with the receptacle's optical path, enabling precise optical coupling while accommodating different connector configurations without modifying the original receptacle
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupling system is segmented into three independent components: the receptacle, the optical adaptor, and the connector. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the receptacle maintains its precise optical specifications, the adaptor provides mechanical adaptation to different connector types, and the connector retains its original design characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire receptacle is replaced to accommodate a different connector type, then connector compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the entire receptacle system, the patent introduces an optical adaptor as an intermediary component that bridges between the existing receptacle and new connector types. This approach maintains the original receptacle while adding adaptability through the adaptor layer
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adaptor is designed to be nested within or attached to the existing receptacle structure. The adaptor's coupling element receives the new connector type while the adaptor's optical interface integrates with the receptacle's optical path, creating a nested configuration that adds functionality without complete replacement
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical connectors from different manufacturers with different sizes and shapes are used, then versatility is improved, but precise alignment and mechanical coupling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adaptor serves as a mediator that receives various connector types through its coupling element and translates their different mechanical configurations into a unified optical interface. The adaptor includes alignment features such as positioning pins, alignment grooves, or keyed interfaces that ensure precise optical fiber alignment regardless of the connector's external dimensions or shape
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor applies different local qualities to handle different connector types - the coupling element provides mechanical accommodation for various connector sizes and shapes, while the optical interface maintains consistent precision alignment features. This local differentiation allows the single adaptor design to handle multiple connector configurations while maintaining optical precision
Data Source
AI summary
An optical adaptor for mounting to a receptacle to optically couple connectorized opticable cables comprises an assembly of an optical interface to provide an optical path between a first and a second one of the connectorized optical cables to optically couple the first and the second connectorized optical cable. The assembly of the optical interface comprises a mounting element to mount the optical adaptor to the receptacle. The mounting element is configured to receive the assembly of the optical interface and to mechanically couple the first connectorized optical cable to the mounting element so that the first connectorized optical cable is optically coupled to the first side of the assembly of the optical interface.