Optical-Fiber Adapter Assembly for Combined Power and Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LC-type optical-fiber adapters do not provide additional functions, and copper cables used in vehicle-mounted devices are limited by bandwidth, failing to meet transmission requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical-fiber adapter comprising an adapter body, optical transceiver module, conductive module, and positioning base, which allows for both optical signal and electric power transmission through a configuration that includes conductive terminals and guiding/protrusion structures for stable assembly and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper cables are used in vehicle-mounted devices, then electrical connection is achieved, but bandwidth limitation prevents satisfaction of transmission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical signal transmission and electrical power transmission into a single adapter assembly. The adapter body houses both an optical transceiver module for high-bandwidth optical communication and a conductive module with multiple terminals for electrical power and control signals, allowing simultaneous optical and electrical connections through one interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides optical signal transmission, electrical power transmission, and control signal transmission. This universal adapter replaces the need for separate copper cable connections by integrating multiple transmission functions into a single component that works with optical fiber connectors.
2Reliability
If LC-type optical-fiber adapter is used, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but additional functions such as electrical power transmission are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of a traditional optical adapter with electrical connection capabilities into a single integrated assembly. The adapter body contains both the optical transceiver module for LC-type connector compatibility and the conductive module with multiple terminals for electrical power and control signals, enabling both optical and electrical functions through one connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter transforms the single-function LC optical adapter into a multi-functional device by incorporating electrical power transmission and control signal capabilities alongside optical signal transmission, allowing a single connector assembly to handle multiple transmission requirements simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive module with multiple terminals is added to adapter body, then electrical power transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional modules: the adapter body housing, the optical transceiver module for optical signals, the conductive module with multiple terminals for electrical connections, and the positioning base for alignment. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system organization and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning base acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the precise alignment and stable assembly of the conductive module and optical transceiver module within the adapter body. This mediator element ensures proper positioning of multiple terminals and optical components, simplifying the assembly process despite the increased number of components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If positioning base with grooves and positioning portions is used, then assembly stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning base features asymmetric grooves and positioning portions that are specifically shaped to match corresponding features on the conductive module and optical transceiver module. This asymmetric design provides unique alignment paths and stable positioning, ensuring that components assemble in the correct orientation while the features can be manufactured using standard precision machining techniques.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical-fiber adapter (100) includes an adapter body (1), an optical transceiver module (2), a conductive module (3), and a positioning base (4).One end of the adapter body (1) has a mating side (11), and the mating side (11) has an insertion opening (111) in communication with the receiving cavity (10).Four side walls of the adapter body (1) define a receiving cavity (10).The adapter body (1) has an assembling groove (112) in communication with the receiving cavity (10).The optical transceiver module (2) is retained in the receiving cavity (10).The conductive module (3) includes conductive terminals (32).One of two ends of each conductive terminal (32) is in the receiving cavity (10) and adjacent to the assembling groove (112), and the other end of each conductive terminal (32) extends out of the assembling groove (112) from the receiving cavity (10). Two sides of the positioning base (4) have grooves (46) and positioning portions (482), and the positioning portions (482) are adjacent to openings of the grooves (46).