Optical Connector Lid Adapter for Fiber Stress Relief and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector devices face issues with stress on optical fibers and connectors, leading to potential breakage due to tension, and lack efficient alignment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector device incorporates adapters and connectors with alignment mechanisms, including studs and springs, to ensure precise alignment and reduce stress on optical fibers, featuring a semiconductor package with a receptacle, lid, and biasing members for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are connected using existing connector devices, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but stress and tension on the optical fibers cause potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating stress relief features directly into the connector design before assembly. The flexible printed circuit board with its inherent flexibility and the molded housing design provide built-in stress absorption capabilities that prevent stress transmission to the optical fibers during connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board acts as an intermediary element between the optical fiber array and the connector housing. This intermediary component absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, preventing direct stress transmission to the fragile optical fibers while maintaining electrical and optical connectivity.
2Measurement precision
If existing connector devices are used, then connection is achieved, but alignment precision is insufficient leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the optical fiber array with precise spatial positioning during the manufacturing process. The fibers are arranged in their final positions within the flexible printed circuit board before assembly, ensuring that alignment features are already in place and reducing the need for post-assembly alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simplified integrated design where the flexible printed circuit board itself provides alignment through its rigid structure and pre-positioned fiber array. This substitution eliminates the need for separate mechanical alignment mechanisms while maintaining high precision.
3Ease of operation
If detachable connectors are used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but stability and fixation strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the connector with movable engagement features that transition between locked and unlocked states. The connector housing includes features that allow for easy insertion and removal while maintaining stable fixation during operation, with the flexible printed circuit board providing continuous contact for stable electrical and optical connections throughout the detachable cycle.
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 provides stable, detachable fixtures with high tolerance to warpage, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing stress on optical fibers, enhancing the reliability and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member to bias a portion of the connector toward the semiconductor package
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 2E~2G
AI summary
An optical connector device is provided. The optical connector device includes a semiconductor package including a receptacle and a lid. The optical connector device also included an adapter attached to the lid of the semiconductor package, and a connector removably attached to the adapter. The adapter includes a convex part adapted to fit into an adapter opening of the lid, an adapter recess adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the connector, and a first retainer in the adapter recess to removably attach the connector to the adapter at a predetermined position. The connector includes an optical fiber array corresponding to the receptacle and extending in a vertical direction with respect to a plane of the semiconductor package, a second retainer used in conjunction with the first retainer, and a biasing member to bias a portion of the connector toward the semiconductor package.