Optical Connector Waveguide Integration for Compact Optical Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical modules face challenges with large size due to the need for intermediate converters and multiplexers-demultiplexers, occupying significant space on mainboards, especially in applications using space or wavelength division multiplexing technologies.

Innovation Solution

An optical connector with integrated optical waveguide devices that combine functions such as splitting, combining, demultiplexing, multiplexing, and conversion, eliminating the need for separate converters or multiplexers-demultiplexers, and featuring a fastening structure for alignment and connection with optical fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If intermediate converters or multiplexers-demultiplexers are disposed between optical fibers and optical modules, then optical signal transmission functions are achieved, but the optical module size increases and occupies large space on mainboard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal transmission functionVSAvoidoptical module board space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the intermediate converter or multiplexer-demultiplexer directly into the optical connector structure. The optical waveguide device is disposed within the connector housing, merging previously separate components (connector + converter/mux-demux) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate intermediate devices on the mainboard, reducing overall space occupation while maintaining optical signal transmission functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical connector is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical connection of optical fibers, optical signal transmission, and signal conversion/multiplexing/demultiplexing. By making the connector multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, thereby reducing the number of components and the space they occupy on the mainboard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate intermediate converters are disposed for space division multiplexing, then multi-core to single-core conversion is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-core to single-core conversion functionVSAvoidconverter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-core to single-core conversion function is integrated directly into the optical connector. The optical waveguide device within the connector performs the core conversion function, merging the converter functionality with the connector structure. This reduces device complexity by eliminating separate converter components and their associated packaging structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiplexer-demultiplexer or separate multiplexer and demultiplexer are disposed for wavelength division multiplexing, then wavelength multiplexing function is achieved, but optical module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength multiplexing functionVSAvoidoptical module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexer-demultiplexer or multiplexer and demultiplexer are integrated into the optical connector structure. The optical waveguide device performs wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing functions within the connector, eliminating the need for separate intermediate devices. This integration significantly reduces the volume of the optical module while maintaining wavelength multiplexing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical connector is designed to perform wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing functions in addition to its basic connection function. By making the connector multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate multiplexer/demultiplexer devices, thereby reducing the overall volume of the optical module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250271625A1Optical connector, optical pigtail, optical patch cord, and optical communication device and system

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An optical connector includes an optical waveguide device with a first optical port and a fastening structure. The optical waveguide device is able to implement splitting, combining, demultiplexing, multiplexing, multi core-single core conversion, filtering, reflection, spot size conversion, optical path connection/disconnection, optical path direction conversion, or optical power adjustment. The fastening structure is configured to fasten an optical transmission medium. The first optical port is aligned with and connected to the optical transmission medium in the fastening structure. In this application, the optical connector combines functions such as splitting, combining, demultiplexing, multiplexing, multi core-single core conversion, filtering, reflection, spot size conversion, optical path connection/disconnection, optical path direction conversion, or optical power adjustment with a connector function without changing a size of an existing connector, to reduce a size of an optical module and reduce a board area occupied by the optical module.