Optical Connector Module Asymmetry Reduces Cost

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing optical connector modules require different connector shapes at opposite ends, increasing manufacturing costs and complicating the assembly process due to the need for distinct arrangement sequences of channels.

Innovation Solution

An optical connector module design where the same connectors can be used at both ends by reversing the arrangement sequence of light emitting and receiving elements and their corresponding metal terminals, with optical fibers twisted to match the sequence, allowing for parallel or crossover wiring configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different connector shapes are used at opposite ends to match channel arrangement sequences, then correct signal transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly process complicates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission correctnessVSAvoidconnector type differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by reversing the arrangement sequence of channels in connectors at opposite ends of the optical cable. Specifically, if one connector has channels arranged as transmission 1, transmission 2, reception 1, reception 2, the opposite connector has them arranged as reception 2, reception 1, transmission 2, transmission 1. This asymmetric arrangement allows identical connector shapes to be used while ensuring correct signal pairing through the optical cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inversion by mounting the same connector types at both ends of the optical cable but with reversed channel arrangement sequences. This inversion approach eliminates the need for different connector shapes while maintaining correct signal transmission, as the reversed arrangement compensates for the cable's signal routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If different connector shapes are prepared for opposite ends, then channel matching is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to multiple connector types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel matchingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing identical connector shapes that can be mounted at both ends of the optical cable. The same connector form factor serves multiple functions - connecting to devices at either end while maintaining proper channel alignment through the reversed arrangement sequence. This eliminates the need to manufacture and inventory multiple connector types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies homogeneity by using uniform connector shapes and structures at both opposite ends of the optical cable. The only difference between connectors at each end is the arrangement sequence of channels, which is reversed to achieve proper matching. This homogeneous design simplifies manufacturing by standardizing the connector production process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Reliability

If two types of connectors are prepared and mounted at opposite ends, then correct channel arrangement is achieved, but assembly process complicates due to distinction requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel arrangement correctnessVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inversion by using identical connector shapes at both ends with reversed channel arrangement sequences. This approach simplifies assembly operations because technicians no longer need to distinguish between different connector types or remember which connector goes where - the same connector type fits at both ends, and the reversed arrangement automatically ensures correct signal pairing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the assembly process by enabling the use of identical connectors at both ends, ensuring correct channel ordering and improving signal transmission quality.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of light receiving elements that are mounted on the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission and detection: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

an optical cable including a plurality of first optical fibers that optically connects the plurality of light emitting elements of one connector and the plurality of light receiving elements of the other connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS9033592B2Optical connector module

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

As only either of light emitting side wirings and light receiving side wirings crossover each other, the same connectors 30 may be mounted at opposite ends of an optical fiber. Thus, it is possible to provide an optical connector module at low cost. Further, as the optical fiber is connected straight from one side to the other side, an assembly process is easy.