Optical Cable Assembly With Detachable Waveguide-Coupled Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical cables have limited connectivity due to space constraints and unstable connections, making them unsuitable for repeated plugging and unplugging, and they are directly connected to coupling mechanisms on OEICs, leading to transmission issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical cable assembly with a connecting member and base that allows for secure, detachable connections in various orientations, reducing spacing between cables and indirectly coupling with a photonic substrate through a waveguide device, enabling reliable optical connections and repeated plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional optical cables are directly connected to coupling mechanisms on OEICs, then connection simplicity is improved, but connection stability deteriorates and they become susceptible to optical transmission issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting member as an intermediary component between the optical cable and the coupling mechanism on OEICs. This connecting member includes a connector body with positioning structures and engagement features that mediate the connection, providing stable mechanical coupling and precise optical alignment while maintaining ease of connection through plug-and-play functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If more optical cables are connected to switches or servers, then data transmission capacity is improved, but space constraints and minimum distance requirements prevent increasing the number of cables
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is designed with universal compatibility features that allow a single connector type to interface with multiple different coupling mechanisms on OEICs. The standardized connector body with positioning structures enables one optical cable to potentially connect to various devices, reducing the need for multiple specialized connectors and thereby increasing the number of cables that can be accommodated in limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional positioning structures including positioning protrusions and corresponding positioning grooves that extend in multiple directions. This multi-dimensional engagement approach allows compact connection geometry that minimizes the lateral space required while maintaining secure connection, enabling higher cable density in constrained environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical cables are used for repeated plugging and unplugging, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but connection stability deteriorates making them unsuitable for repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member incorporates dynamic engagement features including spring-loaded contact elements and resilient positioning structures that can accommodate repeated insertion and extraction cycles. The connector body is designed with movable components that maintain stable optical alignment during connection while allowing flexible plugging and unplugging operations without degrading connection reliability.
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 secure, reliable optical connections that facilitate repeated plugging and unplugging while minimizing space requirements, preventing damage to the photonic substrate and enhancing connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
at least a cable member including a plurality of optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
waveguide device, wherein the coupling head is positioned at end portions of the optical fibers in optical alignment with the waveguide device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cable assembly and an optical transmission apparatus are provided. The optical cable assembly includes an optical cable and a connecting base. The optical transmission apparatus includes the optical cable assembly and an optical coupling member. The optical cable includes a coupling head and a connecting member mounted to a cable member and including a plurality of connecting walls and first fastening portions. The connecting base defines a fastening groove and includes a fastening member disposed in the fastening groove. The first fastening portions are detachably fastened with the fastening member. The optical coupling member includes a waveguide device positioned to correspond to the fastening groove and configured in optical connection with optical fibers included in the optical cable.