Optical Connector Asymmetric Fool-Proof Design for 400G Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connector designs face challenges in 400 G optical communications due to space limitations within communication devices, requiring a novel optical connector and module that can be stacked and features a fool-proof design to prevent incorrect insertion.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector includes a connector body with a first and second end surface, and a moveable adjusting element that allows for position adjustment to prevent incorrect insertion, enabling the connector to be easily removed from the receptacle, and a module design with a receptacle, housing, and positioning structures that facilitate secure coupling and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector structure is made shorter to fit limited space inside the communication device, then the space constraint is satisfied, but the connector becomes harder to remove and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two main parts: a short connector body for space efficiency and a separate adjusting element for operation. The adjusting element acts as an independent component that can be manipulated to control the coupling and decoupling of the connector body from the receptacle, resolving the contradiction between short length and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the connector body. By manipulating the adjusting element, the user can indirectly control the engagement and disengagement of the connector body with the receptacle, enabling easy operation despite the short connector body design.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is designed for easy removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the coupling security and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic controllable connection. The adjusting element enables the connector to switch between coupled and decoupled states on demand, providing both secure coupling when engaged and easy removal when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between coupling stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element is designed to be manually operable by the user, allowing self-service coupling and decoupling without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The user can directly control the connector's engagement state through the adjusting element, achieving both secure coupling and easy removal.
3Device complexity
If conventional connector designs are used, then the structure is simple, but incorrect insertion cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with asymmetric features including a non-circular cross-section and asymmetric positioning structures that only match the corresponding asymmetric features of the receptacle. This asymmetry prevents incorrect insertion while maintaining relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and insertion accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric positioning structures and guiding features are built into the connector and receptacle design to preemptively prevent incorrect insertion before it can occur. The physical geometry itself acts as a barrier to wrong-direction insertion, providing fool-proof protection without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical connector which comprises a connector body, and a first adjusting element, wherein the connector body comprises a first end surface at a first side of the connector body utilized to insert into a receptacle, and a second end surface formed at another side of the connector body and opposite to the first end surface. The first adjusting element is operated to perform a position adjusting movement for taking the connector body away from the receptacle. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the present invention further provides an optical connector module comprising the receptacle and the optical connector for applying to various kinds of communication device.