Optical Connector Perpendicular Mounting Lens Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors face issues with light attenuation and noise interference due to the long optical path length and lack of effective shielding, especially when forces are applied perpendicular to the optical fiber, leading to reduced optical output and signal disturbance.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a housing with a photoelectric conversion circuit board, a light transmissive synthetic resin member with a perpendicular sleeve and integral lens, and a metal inner shield with a window, along with a flexible board for shielding and stress management, which reduces optical path length and enhances shielding efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the optical path length in the resin member is made long to accommodate perpendicular mounting of photoelectric conversion elements, then the connector structure is simplified, but light attenuation increases and optical output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting orientation of photoelectric conversion elements from parallel to perpendicular relative to the optical fiber axis. This dimensional change allows the optical path to pass directly through the resin member along the fiber axis, reducing the effective light travel distance while maintaining structural simplicity. The perpendicular mounting arrangement repositions elements in a different spatial dimension to resolve the contradiction between structural simplicity and light transmission efficiency.
2Reliability
If shielding structures are added to protect against noise interference, then signal quality improves, but the connector size and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested shielding structure where an inner conductive shield is placed within the resin member close to the photoelectric conversion elements, and an outer conductive shield surrounds the entire connector assembly. These nested shielding layers provide comprehensive noise protection without significantly increasing the overall connector volume, as the inner shield utilizes the existing internal space of the resin member.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding structures are strategically positioned only in areas where noise protection is most critical - specifically around the photoelectric conversion elements and along the optical path - rather than uniformly throughout the entire connector. This localized approach provides effective signal protection while minimizing the additional volume required for shielding components.
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 design minimizes light attenuation and noise interference, maintaining optical output even under perpendicular forces and reducing the connector's size while providing effective shielding without increasing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
The resin member integrally includes a lens on an axial line of the sleeve such that the lens faces the photoelectric conversion element
Implementation Method 2
the resin member includes an inner shield made of metal and arranged to face the photoelectric conversion circuit board and cover the photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical connector 10 includes a housing 12, a photoelectric conversion circuit board 13 on which a photoelectric conversion element 7 is mounted, and a resin member made of a light transmissive synthetic resin and arranged on a plate surface of the photoelectric conversion circuit board 13 so as to cover the photoelectric conversion element 27. The photoelectric conversion circuit board 13 is housed in the housing 12. The resin member includes a sleeve 34 to which a ferrule 19 attached to an end of an optical fiber 18 is fitted. The sleeve 34 of the resin member is arranged such that an axial direction thereof is substantially perpendicular to the plate surface of the photoelectric circuit board. The resin member integrally includes a lens 39 on an axial line of the sleeve 34 such that the lens 39 faces the photoelectric conversion element 27.