Optical Connector Z-Shape Path Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical connectors, especially those using the collimated coupling system, are vulnerable to external impacts and foreign matter accumulation, which affects their durability and long-term reliability, and lack effective countermeasures against laser hazards.

Innovation Solution

The optical connector incorporates a first optical path converting unit with reflection planes that emit light in the opposite direction of propagation, forming a Z-shaped optical path, and includes a housing with a support and light shield to reduce external impact and foreign matter influence, while also providing a countermeasure against laser hazards without mechanical mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If optical connectors use a collimated coupling system, then tolerance to misalignment is improved, but vulnerability to external impacts and foreign matter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment toleranceVSAvoidresistance to external impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional optical path by using reflection planes to redirect light 90 degrees, causing emitted light to travel back along the same path it entered. This inverted configuration protects the emission plane from external impacts and foreign matter while maintaining the collimated coupling system's misalignment tolerance advantages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of exposed emission planes vulnerable to impacts into a benefit by using the reflection plane structure to redirect light internally. The same structural features that could be vulnerable points become protective elements that guide light safely back to the source without exposing critical surfaces to external damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Manufacturing precision

If optical connectors use a collimated coupling system, then tolerance to misalignment is improved, but susceptibility to laser hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment toleranceVSAvoidlaser hazard exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the optical path direction so that light emitted from the first optical path converting unit travels back through the same path it entered, rather than radiating outward. This internal recirculation of light eliminates external laser hazards while preserving the collimated coupling misalignment tolerance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflection planes act as intermediaries that redirect light internally within the connector housing. Instead of light directly exposing to the external environment where it could create laser hazards, the reflection planes mediate the light path, confining it within safe boundaries while maintaining optical functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional optical connectors are designed with exposed emission planes, then ease of connection is improved, but susceptibility to foreign matter accumulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidforeign matter accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the light emission direction to travel internally back through the connector rather than outward through exposed planes. This internal light path eliminates the need for exposed emission planes, preventing foreign matter accumulation while maintaining ease of connection through the collimated coupling interface

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 enhances the optical connector's resistance to external impacts and foreign matter, improves durability, and maintains high transmission quality over time, while being compact and cost-effective, with expanded optical axis tolerance and reduced need for additional components like isolators.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical path converting unit having one or more reflection planes, the first optical path converting unit configured to emit light in an opposite direction of light propagation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12072538B2Optical connector

Publication Date: 2024.08.27 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present technology provides an optical connector of a collimated coupling system that is less affected by an external impact. Provided is an optical connector including a first optical path converting unit having one or more reflection planes, the first optical path converting unit configured to emit light in an opposite direction to light propagation. The first optical path converting unit may be configured to emit light toward a second optical path converting unit that is present when the optical connector is connected with another optical connector. The first optical path converting unit and the second optical path converting unit may be configured to form a Z-shaped optical path.