Optical Connector Groove Angle for Positional Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical connectors face a decrease in positional accuracy when positioning the end portion of an optical transmission member due to the inclined surface of the connector, leading to misalignment and reduced coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a holding part with a groove that allows the end surface of the optical transmission member to contact a first optical portion at an angle less than 90°, preventing movement along the inclined surface and maintaining positional accuracy, and an optical module incorporating this connector for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical surface is inclined to prevent reflected light from entering the optical transmission member, then light reflection is reduced, but the optical transmission member moves upward along the inclined surface during positioning, causing positional inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning protrusion is introduced as an intermediary element between the optical transmission member and the connector body. This protrusion engages with a positioning groove to provide a reference surface that prevents upward movement during positioning, while the optical surface maintains its anti-reflection inclination. The intermediary positioning structure decouples the anti-reflection function from the positioning function, resolving the contradiction between light reflection prevention and positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the end surface of the optical transmission member is placed to abut against the optical surface for positioning, then positioning is simplified, but the optical transmission member moves along the inclined surface, decreasing positional accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusion and positioning groove form an intermediary positioning mechanism that simplifies the positioning operation while maintaining accuracy. The protrusion automatically engages with the groove to establish the correct position, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures. This intermediary structure provides both simplicity of operation and high positional accuracy by preventing movement along the inclined surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusion extends in a direction perpendicular to the inclined optical surface, creating a new dimensional reference for positioning. This vertical protrusion structure provides a stable reference point that prevents upward movement along the incline, while maintaining the simplified abutment-based positioning approach. The added dimension resolves the contradiction by providing a constraint that was missing in the original design.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector for optically coupling optical transmission members to each other includes a first optical portion, a second optical portion, and a groove extending in one direction for disposing the optical transmission member in such a way that at least part of the end surface of the optical transmission member contacts the first optical portion. In the optical connector, in a cross section including the axis of the groove and an optical path between the first optical portion and the second optical portion, the angle between a surface of the first optical portion contacting the end surface of the optical transmission member and the axis of the groove is less than 90°.