Optical Connector Light Shield Member Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors risk damage from intense light radiation on light shield members, leading to potential deformation and failure in engaging mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light shield member with a light absorption component and thermal diffusion member to absorb and dissipate heat generated by radiation, preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation even with intense light guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter plate is used to shield light during disengagement, then light radiation is blocked, but intense reflected light can still damage structural members and cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflected light into a beneficial effect by using the shutter plate's reflective surface to redirect light away from structural members. The shutter plate is positioned and angled so that light reflected from it is directed toward the opening portion where it can be safely dissipated, transforming the potential damage into a safe light path.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter plate acts as an intermediary element between the optical fiber emission end and the structural members. It intercepts the reflected light before it can reach and damage the structural members, serving as a protective mediator that redirects harmful radiation away from vulnerable components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter plate is pushed obliquely to evacuate light, then light shielding is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter plate is designed as a movable component that changes its position dynamically during engagement and disengagement cycles. During engagement, it is pushed obliquely to evacuate light from the optical path. During disengagement, it returns to its original position to shield the opening portion. This dynamic behavior allows a single simple plate to perform multiple functions without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter plate serves multiple functions: it shields light during disengagement, redirects reflected light away from structural members, and can be pushed obliquely to evacuate light during engagement. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single component design, avoiding the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
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 shields against light radiation, preventing thermal deformation and ensuring consistent engagement and disengagement of optical connectors, enhancing durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a light absorption member configured to receive and absorb the radiation light and to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
a thermal diffusion member configured to diffuse and radiate the heat generated by the light absorption member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes a first engaging member holding at least one first optical fiber to guide light from a light source, a second engaging member holding a second optical fiber to be optically connected to the first optical fiber, and configured to be engaged with the first engaging member, and a light shield member provided near an emission end of the first optical fiber, at such a position as to shield light from the first optical fiber at disengagement of the engaging members. The light shield member is pushed by the second engaging member at engagement of the engaging members, so as to be folded and evacuated in a gap. The light shield member includes a light absorption member to absorb light and to generate heat, a thermal diffusion member to diffuse and radiate the heat, and a base supporting the light absorption member and thermal diffusion member.