Optical Backplane Connector for Blind-Mate Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCB-based backplane connector systems lack a blind-mate optical interface, limiting their ability to efficiently convert between electrical and optical signals and requiring complex alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
A backplane connector system with a retainer block, ferrule slots, ferrule springs, and ferrule spring retainers that facilitate blind mating and optical signal conversion, featuring modular opto-electric cards with scalable configurations and heat management capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pin and socket contact system is used, then alignment is straightforward, but optical signal conversion functionality is lacking and exposure to field failure is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical contact functionality (pin and socket) with optical signal conversion functionality (optical transceiver components) into a single integrated PCB card assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical modules and resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable electrical connections and optical conversion capabilities in one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB card is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both an electrical connector (replacing traditional pin and socket) and an optical transceiver platform. This multi-functionality approach allows the single component to provide both electrical signal transmission and optical signal conversion, addressing the versatility requirement while maintaining reliability through integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical transceiver components are added to PCB card, then optical signal conversion is enabled, but alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver components are pre-aligned and pre-assembled on the PCB card during manufacturing, with alignment features and mechanical structures already in place. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field alignment procedures, as the components are designed to self-align or require minimal adjustment during installation, thus reducing alignment complexity while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment features such as alignment pins, guide structures, or mechanical stops that act as intermediaries between the optical components and the PCB card. These intermediary elements facilitate precise positioning and alignment during assembly, simplifying the alignment process by providing physical references and constraints that guide component placement without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable optical fibers are implemented, then flexibility and scalability are improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber configuration is divided into modular, independently configurable sections or channels on the PCB card. Each optical fiber or fiber group can be independently selected, activated, or configured based on specific application requirements. This segmentation allows flexibility and scalability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire connector assembly, as individual segments can be customized while maintaining a standardized overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A backplane connector for mating with a daughter-card connector assembly, said backplane connector having a front and rear orientation and comprising: (a) a retainer block configured for attachment to a backplane and defining a plurality of ferrule slots, each slot configured to receive a ferrule; (b) a plurality of ferrules disposed in said ferrule slots; (c) a plurality of ferrule springs to urge said plurality of ferrules forwardly; and (d) Fwafera plurality of ferrule spring retainers for retaining said ferrule springs and being mounted rearward on said retainer block, wherein each ferrule spring retainer retains springs for two or more ferrules.