Optical Connector Asymmetric Locking for Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector devices for optical modules within electronic devices face challenges in aligning and confirming connections between external optical modules and internal receptacle connectors, leading to potential overheating and malfunction due to inadequate heat dissipation and increased signal transmission speeds.
Innovation Solution
A connector device design that includes a plug connector with a photoelectric conversion portion and a lock portion, and a receptacle connector with a mating lock portion and electric connector, where the lock portions and electric connectors are strategically positioned to facilitate alignment and secure contact, ensuring effective heat dissipation and reliable connection establishment by setting specific structural conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical module is arranged inside the case of the electronic device, then the device structure is compact, but heat generated by the optical module is radiated into the case to increase temperature and cause failure or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is divided into separate plug and receptacle components. The optical module is placed in the plug connector that can be detached from the receptacle connector mounted on the case, allowing thermal isolation while maintaining functional integration when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector acts as an intermediary component between the optical module and the case. By positioning the optical module in the plug rather than directly in the case, and using the mating interface as a thermal boundary, heat from the optical module is prevented from radiating into the case while still allowing electrical and optical signal transmission.
2Temperature
If the optical module is arranged outside the case to improve heat dissipation, then temperature control is improved, but alignment and confirmation of connection establishment between connectors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connector is designed with asymmetric positioning of the lock portion relative to the electric connector, with specific distance relationships (first distance and second distance) that create unique geometric constraints. This asymmetric design enables precise alignment through mechanical guidance features while maintaining thermal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates preliminary alignment features such as guide pins, keyed interfaces, and predetermined distance relationships between lock portions and electric connectors. These features automatically establish correct alignment during the mating process before final connection is made, eliminating the need for complex post-connection alignment procedures.
3Device complexity
If the lock portion and electric connector are positioned close together, then connection establishment is simplified, but the effective contact length is reduced making alignment confirmation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The design separates the locking function and electrical connection function in the spatial dimension along the mating direction. The lock portion and electric connector are positioned at different distances from the mating interface, creating a staged connection sequence where mechanical locking and electrical contact occur at different positions, allowing independent optimization of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter relationships between the positions of the lock portion and electric connector, including the first distance, second distance, and effective contact length. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters within specific ranges, the design achieves both simplified connection establishment and reliable alignment confirmation through measurable contact characteristics.
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 design enhances alignment and connection confirmation between the plug and receptacle connectors, improving heat dissipation and reducing the risk of device failure, while allowing for efficient signal transmission without overheating.
Implementation Method 1
The photoelectric conversion portion converts the optical signal and the electric signal to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector is provided with a photoelectric conversion portion, a first electric connector and a first lock portion. The first electric connector inputs and outputs electric signals into and from the photoelectric conversion portion. The first lock portion and the first electric connector are apart from each other by a first distance. A receptacle connector is provided with a second lock portion and a second electric connector. When the plug connector and the receptacle connector are mated with each other, the second lock portion engages with the first lock portion, and the second electric connector is connected to the first electric connector. The second lock portion and the second electric connector are apart from each other by a second distance. A difference between the first distance and the second distance is equal to or less than an effective contact length between the first electric connector and the second electric connector.