Optical Connector Assembly Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication systems, mechanical assemblies and misalignment issues lead to signal quality degradation and electronic-magnetic interference, making accurate and simple integration of optical and electronic components challenging.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector assembly is designed with a PCB, a fixing portion, and a joint portion that supports chips and fibers, featuring lead frames, electrical pins, and positioning slots/pins for precise alignment and secure assembly, ensuring coaxial alignment of fibers with chips for effective light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical and electronic components are integrated on the circuit board, then data communication functionality is improved, but mechanical assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a fixing portion for mounting on the PCB, a joint portion for fiber alignment, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly process through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines optical components (fibers, chips) and electronic components (lead frames, electrical pins) into a single integrated assembly that mounts on the PCB. This merging eliminates separate mounting procedures and reduces overall assembly complexity while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If accurate alignment of fibers and chips is achieved, then light transmission quality is improved, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning slots and positioning pins are pre-configured in the fixing and joint portions to establish precise alignment between fibers and chips before final assembly. This preliminary positioning action ensures accurate light transmission paths without requiring high-precision manual adjustment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning slots and pins act as intermediary elements that mediate between the joint portion and fixing portion, ensuring accurate relative positioning of fibers and chips. These intermediaries transfer and maintain the required alignment precision throughout the assembly process.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning mechanisms are added to ensure alignment, then assembly accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning slots and pins serve multiple functions: they provide alignment references, act as mechanical guides during assembly, and ensure precise final positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrical pins and lead frames are integrated, then electrical connectivity is improved, but electronic-magnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical pins are extracted as separate elements from the lead frame structure and positioned to be flush with the PCB supporting surface. This extraction allows optimized electrical connectivity while enabling better control over electromagnetic interference through proper positioning and grounding arrangements.
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 enhances signal quality and reduces electronic-magnetic interference by ensuring accurate alignment and secure assembly of optical and electronic components, improving data communication rates and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning pin is engaged into the positioning slot, such that the plurality of fiber is coaxially aligned with the plurality of chip for light transmission
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of fibers inserted through the plurality of opening of the joint portion... for light transmission
Implementation Method 3
at least one lead frame and at least one electrical pin arranged from the fixing portion to the supporting surface to be flush with the supporting surface for electrically connecting the lead frame
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector assembly, includes: a printed circuit board including a supporting surface and a notch; a fixing portion embedded into the notch and comprising a first surface, a second surface, a lead frame and an electrical pin arranged from the fixing portion to the supporting surface to be flush with the supporting surface, a positioning slot disposed on the first surface; a joint portion comprising a first side, plural openings penetrating the first side, the joint portion extending from an edge of the first side to cover the top of the fixing portion, a positioning pin disposed on the first side; plural chips disposed on the fixing portion; plural fibers inserted through the openings. Wherein the positioning pin is engaged into the positioning slot, such that the fibers are coaxially aligned with the chips for light transmission.