Optical Connector with Movable Reflection Surface for Orientation-Independent Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connector technologies require precise orientation for connection, limiting user convenience as they cannot establish connections upside down or in other directions, necessitating orientation checks during connection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflection surface in optical connectors that can refract light between different orientations using a driving unit, allowing connections to be established regardless of the connector's orientation through the use of guide pins and mediation mechanisms, enabling flexible orientation during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical connectors use fixed orientation connection surfaces, then connection reliability is ensured, but user convenience deteriorates as orientation checks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the reflection surface movable instead of fixed. The reflection surface can rotate or shift position in response to different connector orientations, allowing the optical path to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the connector to maintain reliable optical connection regardless of whether it is inserted upright or upside down, eliminating the need for orientation checks while preserving connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the reflection surface based on the connector insertion direction. When the connector is inserted in different orientations, the reflection surface adjusts its angle or position accordingly, changing the optical path parameters to ensure proper light guidance. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable connection across multiple orientations.
2Measurement precision
If optical connectors require precise orientation, then optical signal transmission accuracy is improved, but connection flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection surface is designed to dynamically adjust its orientation based on how the connector is inserted. Whether the connector is inserted upright or upside down, the reflection surface rotates to the appropriate angle to ensure accurate optical signal transmission. This dynamic adjustment maintains transmission accuracy while providing connection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by allowing the reflection surface to reverse its orientation when the connector is inserted upside down. Instead of requiring the connector to be inserted in a specific orientation, the reflection surface inverts its angle to compensate, ensuring that the optical path remains accurate regardless of the insertion direction.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical connectors have fixed reflection surface orientation, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but device complexity increases to ensure proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the reflection surface is integrated within the connector assembly, allowing it to rotate or shift position while remaining part of the single connector unit. This nested design enables the reflection surface to adjust its orientation without requiring separate alignment mechanisms, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while reducing alignment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection surface is designed to automatically adjust its orientation based on the connector insertion direction, without requiring external alignment mechanisms or complex control systems. The connector itself provides the means for the reflection surface to self-adjust, eliminating the need for additional alignment devices and simplifying both manufacturing and usage.
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
Enables convenient connection between optical transmission and reception devices without requiring precise orientation, improving user experience by allowing connections in any direction, including upside down orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit configured to drive the reflection surface to refract the light radiated to the reflection surface toward an optical transmission path of the optical cable through refraction on the reflection surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmission device according to the present disclosure includes: an optical connector connection unit to which a connector unit of an optical cable is attached; a light emitting end configured to emit light to transmit an optical signal via the optical cable, and configured to radiate light to a reflection surface of the connector; and a driving unit configured to drive the reflection surface to refract the light radiated to the reflection surface toward an optical transmission path of the optical cable through refraction on the reflection surface in the case where the connector unit is attached in first orientation, and configured to drive the reflection surface to refract the light radiated to the reflection surface toward the optical transmission path of the optical cable through refraction on the reflection surface in the case where the connector unit is connected in second orientation that is different from the first orientation.