Optical Connector Light Diffusion for Laser Hazard Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors with collimating lenses face challenges in preventing laser hazards during non-connection due to complex structures and the risk of light leakage, making it difficult to ensure safety standards are met.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design incorporates a light diffusing portion, such as an anodized aluminum layer, within the connector exterior to diffuse collimated light away from the emitting portion, reducing light intensity and preventing laser hazards during non-connection with a simpler structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter is provided in the optical connector for shielding parallel light at the time of non-connection, then laser hazard is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful collimated light is extracted and redirected away from the emission direction using a light direction changing member (mirror or prism). This removes the hazard without requiring a shutter mechanism, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A light direction changing member serves as an intermediary element between the collimating lens and the external environment. This mediator redirects the collimated light path toward the connector interior, preventing direct emission while avoiding the need for complex shutter mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector exterior length is increased to prevent light emission, then laser hazard is reduced, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the connector length in one dimension to contain light, the solution redirects light in a different spatial dimension using reflection or refraction. The light direction changing member alters the light path angle, containing the hazard within the existing connector footprint without increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The light direction changing member acts as an intermediary that redirects collimated light toward the connector interior. This allows effective light containment within a compact structure, avoiding the need for extended connector dimensions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If uneven structures are provided for scattering light, then laser hazard is prevented, but alignment accuracy and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light direction changing function is segmented into discrete optical elements (mirrors or prisms) with precise geometric surfaces. These segmented elements provide controlled light redirection without the alignment sensitivity of uneven structures, maintaining connection reliability through well-defined optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The light direction changing member serves as a precise intermediary optical element that reliably redirects light. Unlike uneven structures that require tight tolerances, this intermediary component uses well-defined reflective or refractive surfaces to achieve consistent light path control, ensuring connection reliability.
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
This design effectively prevents laser hazards by diffusing collimated light within the connector, ensuring compliance with safety standards and simplifying the structure for easier handling and connection.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffusing portion, such as an anodized aluminum layer, within the connector exterior to diffuse collimated light away from the emitting portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser hazard at the time of non-connection can be prevented with a simple structure. A cylindrical connector exterior, and a block that is incorporated in one end side of the connector exterior and in which a light emitting portion or a light incident portion is mounted toward another end side are included. The light emitting portion or the light incident portion is mounted on the block such that an optical axis direction of the light emitting portion or the light incident portion is inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the connector exterior. For example, the connector exterior has a length at which at least a part of light emitted from the light emitting portion can be emitted to an inner side (inner wall) of the connector exterior.