Optical Connector Point-Symmetric Positioning for High Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors face issues with shrinkage deformation leading to positional accuracy degradation, limited flexibility in increasing optical fiber insertion holes, and restricted high-density mounting due to their long flat shape and fixed lateral width.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector design features a ferrule body with optical fiber insertion holes arranged in a row and positioning protrusions or recesses located point-symmetrically on either side of a straight line, allowing for increased fiber density and reduced lateral width, which mitigates molding strain and enhances mounting flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fitting holes are provided on the right and left sides of the optical fiber insertion holes, then positioning is achieved, but the lateral width increases and high-density mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the fitting holes from the lateral sides (horizontal dimension) to the upper and lower sides (vertical dimension) of the optical fiber insertion holes. This dimensional change allows positioning functionality to be maintained while reducing the lateral width of the connector, enabling high-density mounting on mount boards.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector is formed into a long flat shape with large lateral width, then fitting holes can be provided on both sides, but the total width of multiple connectors on a mount board becomes too wide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of fitting holes from lateral (horizontal) to vertical (upper and lower sides). This allows multiple connectors to be arranged more compactly on mount boards, reducing the total width occupied while maintaining the fitting hole arrangement for proper positioning.
3Measurement precision
If fitting holes with large diameters are provided on the right and left sides, then positioning is improved, but the number of optical fiber insertion holes cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
By moving fitting holes to the vertical dimension (upper and lower sides), the patent creates lateral space in the horizontal dimension that can be utilized for adding more optical fiber insertion holes. This allows both positioning accuracy and fiber capacity to be improved simultaneously.
4Ease of manufacture
If the connector has a long flat shape, then fitting holes can be positioned on both sides, but shrinkage deformation occurs during resin molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions fitting holes to the vertical dimension, which changes the stress distribution pattern during resin molding. This dimensional rearrangement reduces shrinkage deformation effects on the optical fiber insertion holes, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 enables higher accuracy, cost-effective manufacturing, and allows for more flexible positioning of optical connectors on a mount board, facilitating high-density mounting without significant changes in the connector's dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
Shrinkage deformation (warpage) occurs when resin shrinks upon curing in the course of resin molding, Positional accuracy of the optical fiber insertion holes tends to be degraded by this shrinkage deformation (warpage).
Implementation Method 2
a reflector configured to modify a direction of light propagating through at least one row of fixed optical fibers so as to cause the light to pass through the connector end surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector of a fitting pin positioning type includes multiple optical fiber insertion holes arranged in one row and fitting holes or fitting pins. The fitting holes or the fitting pins for positioning are respectively disposed on mutually opposite sides of a straight line connecting centers of the optical fiber insertion holes and are located point-symmetrically with respect to a center of the row of the entire optical fiber insertion holes arranged on the straight line.