Optical Connector Diffusion Section for Collimated Light Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication connectors with collimating lenses face issues of light emission during disconnection, contamination, and maintenance challenges due to complex structures and exposure, leading to potential signal quality degradation and safety hazards from direct collimated light exposure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffusion section on the leading end of the collimating lens to diffuse collimated light, preventing direct emission during non-optical coupling and enhancing maintenance by reducing exposure to dust and contamination, while maintaining signal quality and safety compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter is provided to shield parallel light during disconnection, then safety standards are satisfied, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A diffusion plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the collimating lens and the external environment. This diffusion plate scatters the collimated light into diffuse light, preventing direct exposure to users while maintaining safety. The diffusion plate serves as a mediator that transforms the harmful parallel light into safe diffuse light without requiring complex shutter mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the collimating lens is exposed to the outside, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover or housing is designed to enclose the collimating lens and diffusion plate assembly. This protective shell protects the optical components from dust, oil, and other contaminants while allowing the connector to be easily inserted and removed. The protective structure maintains accessibility for operation while creating a barrier against environmental contamination.
3Reliability
If a mechanism for moving the collimating lens is provided, then light emission control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion plate is designed to automatically perform the light scattering function whenever the connector is in the disconnected state, without requiring any active control mechanism. The passive diffusion structure self-regulates light emission based on the connector's position, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control circuits while maintaining safety.
4Reliability
If the collimating lens is pressed during connection, then optical coupling is achieved, but light scattering occurs during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion plate is positioned only in the disconnected state configuration, where it scatters light to prevent exposure. When the connector is connected, the diffusion plate is pushed aside or repositioned locally, allowing the collimating lens to function without interference. This localized presence of the diffusion element provides light scattering only when needed, without affecting optical coupling during connection.
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 effectively prevents direct emission of collimated light, reduces maintenance complexity, and ensures compliance with safety standards by diffusing light, thereby improving the reliability and safety of optical communication connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens, and configured to diffuse the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To have excellent maintenance properties and restrain parallel light (collimated light) from being directly emitted to the outside of an optical connector during non-optical coupling.[Solution] An optical communication connector according to the present disclosure includes: a collimating lens configured to collimate light from an optical transmission path; and a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens, and configured to diffuse the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens. According to this configuration, in the optical communication in which insertion and removal are frequently performed, it is possible to achieve their safety during non-fitting at the same time while having an advantage because of a collimating signal since light from an optical transmission path is diffused.