Optical Connector With Translational Light Coupling Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical connectors are prone to light loss due to dust and contamination, especially at higher data transmission rates, and lack cost-effective and high-performance alternatives for 25 Gb/sec interconnects.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical connector with a light coupling unit that moves translationally within the housing, featuring a flexible carrier and a light redirecting surface, which securely attaches to optical waveguides to minimize movement and prevent contamination, while allowing for stable light redirection and reduced sensitivity to environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical contact connectors are used with polished fiber tips, then connection stability is improved, but sensitivity to dust and contamination increases causing light loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an expanded beam as an intermediary between the transmitting and receiving fiber cores. The beam is collimated to a diameter larger than the fiber core, creating a buffer zone that reduces the impact of dust and contamination on the fiber tips. This intermediary beam path allows light to travel between connectors without direct tip-to-tip contact, thereby maintaining connection stability while reducing dust sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct axial alignment of fiber tips to a multi-dimensional beam path. The light beam is expanded perpendicular to the original propagation direction, creating a larger spatial envelope for light transmission. This dimensional change allows the system to tolerate misalignments and contamination that would affect traditional direct-contact connectors.
2Reliability
If expanded beam connectors are developed for 25 Gb/sec interconnects, then performance and dust resistance are improved, but manufacturing cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the light coupling unit with a universal structure that can be integrated into existing connector housings and mounting systems. The ferrule and light coupling unit assembly can serve multiple functions: providing mechanical support, alignment, and the expanded beam optical path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while achieving improved dust resistance and 25 Gb/sec performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light coupling unit is made movable translationally within the housing, then alignment flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light coupling unit movable within the ferrule housing, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the optical axis and laterally. This dynamic positioning capability enables flexible alignment during assembly and allows compensation for manufacturing tolerances. The movable design achieves alignment flexibility through simple translational movement rather than complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining relatively straightforward structural complexity.
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 solution enhances the reliability and performance of optical connections by reducing light loss and maintaining high transmission efficiency even in dusty environments, offering a lower-cost alternative to existing solutions for high-speed data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the light redirecting surface receives and redirects light from the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
optical waveguides such as optical fiber ribbons
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes a first attachment area for receiving and permanently attaching to an optical waveguide. A light coupling unit is disposed and configured to move translationally and not rotationally within the housing of the connector. The light coupling unit includes a second attachment area for receiving and permanently attaching to an optical waveguide received and permanently attached at the first attachment area. The light coupling unit also includes light redirecting surface. The light redirecting surface is configured such that when an optical waveguide is received and permanently attached at the first and second attachment areas, the light redirecting surface receives and redirects light from the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide limits, but does not prevent, a movement of the light coupling unit within the housing.