Optical Connector Tilted Axis Light Diffusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors with collimated light connection schemes face challenges in preventing laser hazards during disconnection due to the emission of collimated light, requiring complex structures and frequent cleaning to mitigate risks.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a tubular connector with a block that tilts the optical axis of the light emission or incident portion relative to the connector's longitudinal direction, ensuring that at least part of the emitted collimated light is incident on a light diffusion portion within the connector, reducing external light exposure and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter is provided to shield parallel light at disconnection, then laser hazard is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A light diffusion portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the optical fiber and the external environment. This diffusion portion scatters the collimated light from the optical fiber, converting it into divergent light that naturally attenuates over distance, thereby preventing laser hazard without requiring a mechanical shutter mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful collimated light is extracted and redirected into the connector exterior by tilting the optical axis of the light emission portion relative to the longitudinal direction of the connector. This causes the light to travel along the connector exterior and be diffused, separating the light transmission function from the hazard prevention function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical axis is tilted to redirect light inside the connector, then laser hazard is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical axis tilt is applied locally only to the light emission portion (lens or optical element) while the rest of the connector structure maintains its standard configuration. This localized modification allows the light to be redirected into the connector exterior for diffusion, achieving hazard reduction with minimal impact on overall manufacturing precision requirements
3Ease of operation
If collimated light is emitted for non-contact connection, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collimated light that initially causes laser hazard is converted into a beneficial diffuse light field. By tilting the optical axis and introducing the light diffusion portion, the harmful parallel light is transformed into scattered divergent light that attenuates naturally, converting a safety hazard into a safe operating condition while maintaining non-contact connection benefits
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 solution effectively prevents laser hazards during disconnection by reducing the power of light exposed externally, adhering to safety standards with a simpler structure that minimizes the need for frequent cleaning and complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the emitted collimated light is incident on a light diffusion portion provided inside the connector exterior
Data Source
AI summary
Laser hazard at disconnection can be prevented with a simple structure. A tubular connector exterior, and a block that is incorporated on one end side of the connector exterior and on which a light emission portion or a light incident portion is mounted toward the other end side are provided. The light emission portion or the light incident portion is mounted on the block so that the optical axis direction thereof is tilted relative to the longitudinal direction of the connector exterior. The light emission portion is a lens through which light output from a light transmission path is collimated and emitted. At least part of the collimated light emitted through the lens is incident on a light diffusion portion provided inside the connector exterior.