Removable Optical Electrical Connector Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of both electrical and optical connectors on a circuit board or support structure leads to space occupancy and installation complexity due to the need for both types of connectors for communication, which complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of removably attachable electrical and optical connectors, where the optical and electrical connectors can be physically attached and detached using sliding engagement of protruding members and grooves, allowing for user-friendly assembly without establishing signal communication between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both electrical and optical connectors are integrated on a circuit board, then communication functionality is improved, but space occupancy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical and optical connectors into a single integrated connector assembly that mounts to the circuit board as one unit. The electrical connector and optical connector are positioned adjacent to each other and share common mounting features, allowing both communication functions to be achieved while reducing overall device complexity and space requirements compared to separate connector installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - providing both electrical communication contacts and optical communication interfaces through a single integrated structure. The shared housing and mounting mechanism allow the assembly to fulfill multiple communication roles without requiring separate installation processes for each connector type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both electrical and optical connectors are integrated on a circuit board, then communication functionality is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is positioned within the housing structure of the electrical connector assembly, with the optical communication elements nested adjacent to the electrical contacts. This nested arrangement allows both connector types to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, reducing the total footprint on the circuit board while maintaining full communication functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both electrical and optical connectors are integrated on a circuit board, then communication functionality is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical and optical connectors are manufactured and positioned as a single integrated assembly that mounts to the circuit board in one operation. The shared housing and common mounting features allow the entire connector assembly to be installed as one unit, significantly reducing installation complexity compared to separately mounting electrical and optical connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector that has an attachment feature. A second connector is removably attachable to the attachment feature of the first connector without establishing communication with the first connector. One of the first and second connectors is an optical connector, and another of the first and second connectors is an electrical connector.