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 fail to meet the transmission requirements of vehicle-mounted devices due to bandwidth limitations of copper cables.
Innovation Solution
An optical-fiber adapter comprising an adapter body, an optical transceiver module, a conductive module, and a positioning base, which allows for both optical signal and electric power transmission, featuring a configuration that includes a receiving cavity, guiding and engaging portions for stable assembly, and conductive terminals for electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If copper cables are used for connection in vehicle-mounted devices, then the device structure can be simpler, but the bandwidth and transmission requirements cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical signal transmission and electrical power transmission into a single adapter assembly. The adapter body houses both the optical transceiver module for high-bandwidth optical communication and the conductive module with multiple conductive terminals for electrical power and data transmission, eliminating the need for separate copper cable connections and meeting complex transmission requirements through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: optical signal reception and transmission, electrical power transmission, and data communication. The optical transceiver module handles optical communication while the conductive module with multiple terminals provides electrical connectivity, making the adapter a universal connection solution that replaces both optical and electrical cables
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions are added to the optical-fiber adapter, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional modules: the optical transceiver module for optical communication, the conductive module with multiple conductive terminals for electrical connections, and the positioning base for precise alignment. Each module is independently designed and assembled into the adapter body, allowing additional functions to be added through modular integration without significantly increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive module and optical transceiver module are nested within the adapter body structure. The positioning base with guiding portions and engaging portions provides a nested framework that secures all components in precise positions. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to coexist in a compact configuration, adding adaptability while controlling complexity through space-efficient design
3Reliability
If stable assembly is ensured through guiding and engaging portions, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning base incorporates guiding portions and engaging portions that enable self-alignment and self-securing during assembly. The conductive module and optical transceiver module automatically position themselves relative to each other and to the adapter body through these guiding features, ensuring stable assembly without requiring high-precision manual positioning or complex alignment procedures, thus achieving reliability while moderating manufacturing precision requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An optical-fiber adapter includes an adapter body, an optical transceiver module, a conductive module, and a positioning base. One end of the adapter body has a mating side, and the mating side has an insertion opening in communication with the receiving cavity. Four side walls of the adapter body define a receiving cavity. The adapter body has an assembling groove in communication with the receiving cavity. The optical transceiver module is retained in the receiving cavity. The conductive module includes conductive terminals. One of two ends of each conductive terminal is in the receiving cavity and adjacent to the assembling groove, and the other end of each conductive terminal extends out of the assembling groove from the receiving cavity. Two sides of the positioning base have grooves and positioning portions, and the positioning portions are adjacent to openings of the grooves.