Optical Connector Segmentation for Precision Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors face challenges in achieving both precise positioning and firm fastening of optical waveguides on a board and optical cables, due to size limitations and thermal deformation issues, which affect the accuracy of connections.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a separate positioning member for high precision and a fastening member for secure attachment, where the positioning member is designed for high accuracy and minimal thermal deformation, and the fastening member is configured to securely hold the positioning member to the board, allowing for precise alignment and connection of optical waveguides and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the first connector part is made large in size to firmly fasten to the board, then the fastening strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate due to difficulty in molding and thermal deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector part is divided into two separate components: a first connector part for fastening to the board and a second connector part for holding the optical cable. This segmentation allows the first connector part to be optimized for fastening strength while the second connector part is optimized for positioning accuracy, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first connector part and the second connector part. The positioning member ensures high-precision alignment of the optical waveguides while the first connector part provides firm fastening to the board, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of fastening strength and positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the first connector part is made large in size to facilitate attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the thermal deformation increases leading to poor positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into a first connector part for attachment and a second connector part for positioning, the design allows the first connector part to be large enough for easy attachment while the second connector part maintains small dimensions to minimize thermal deformation and ensure positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connector system are given different sizes and properties: the first connector part is made larger to facilitate attachment operations, while the second connector part and positioning member are kept smaller to reduce thermal deformation and improve positioning precision, applying local quality differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
The optical connector has the receptacle which is fastened to the board provided with the optical waveguides and has the plug which holds the optical fibers and is connected to the receptacle. The receptacle has the positioning member which positions the optical fibers to the optical waveguides to connect them optically by abutment against the plug and has the fastening member which is fastened to the board and fastens the positioning member to the optical waveguides.