Optical Connector Floating Function Depth Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical connectors with a floating function are too deep, making them unsuitable for mounting on small devices such as consumer products.

Innovation Solution

An optical connector design that includes a connector body inside a housing with a regulation portion to control the movable region on the rear surface of the connector body, allowing for a floating function while maintaining a short depth direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coil spring is provided to enable the floating function, then the connector body can follow the force of prying by the user, but the optical connector becomes longer in the depth direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloating functionVSAvoiddepth direction length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the coil spring with a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that has elastic deformation capability. The FPC includes a base portion and a protruding portion that can elastically deform to allow the connector body to follow prying forces, providing the floating function without requiring the depth space of a coil spring. This flexible film structure achieves the same adaptive function in a much more compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical coil spring system with an integrated FPC-based elastic structure. The FPC's inherent flexibility and elastic deformation properties replace the need for separate spring components, transforming the mechanical floating mechanism into a more compact, integrated structure that achieves the same function with reduced depth dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the coil spring is made longer to increase the following capability, then the floating function is maintained, but the connector depth increases making it unsuitable for small devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloating function performanceVSAvoiddepth direction length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The FPC's elastic deformation capability provides the necessary floating function performance without requiring increased length. The flexible circuit board can deform sufficiently to allow the connector body to follow prying forces while maintaining a compact depth suitable for small devices like smartphones and tablets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Length of moving object

If a short coil spring is used to reduce depth, then the connector becomes more compact, but the floating function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth direction lengthVSAvoidfloating function

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The FPC structure achieves both compactness and floating function simultaneously. The flexible printed circuit board's elastic properties allow it to provide sufficient deformation for the floating function while maintaining a short depth profile, unlike coil springs where shorter length directly reduces floating capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If the connector body is allowed to move freely on the rear surface side, then the floating function is achieved, but the movable region is uncontrolled potentially causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloating functionVSAvoidconnector body protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The FPC has different structural zones with different properties: the base portion provides support and anchoring, while the protruding portion provides controlled elastic deformation. This local differentiation allows the connector body to move within a controlled region during normal operation while preventing excessive movement that could cause damage to the connector housing or surrounding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The FPC provides dynamic, controlled movement through its elastic deformation characteristics. The protruding portion can deflect to allow the connector body to follow prying forces, but the elastic nature of the FPC ensures the movement is bounded and reversible, preventing damage while maintaining the floating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12271038B2Optical connector, optical cable, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is an optical connector capable of implementing a floating function while keeping a depth direction short. The optical connector includes a connector body and a regulation portion. The connector body is disposed inside the connector housing. The regulation portion regulates a movable region on a rear surface side of the connector body, the movable region being in one direction orthogonal to a front-rear direction of the connector housing with respect to the connector housing. For example, the regulation portion includes a guiderail portion provided in the connector housing or the connector body. For example, the movable region is an arc-shaped region having a center on a front surface side of the connector body.