Optical Module Assembly with Rotating Disconnection Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical module assemblies require separation of the optical cable to disconnect the module, exposing the connection portion to contamination and damage from external factors.

Innovation Solution

An optical module assembly design that allows disconnection of the optical module without separating the optical cable, utilizing a disconnection unit with rotating protrusions and guides to release the connection between connectors, thereby preventing exposure of the connection portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the optical module and optical cable are separated to disconnect the module, then the disconnection function is achieved, but the connection portion of the optical cable is exposed to contamination and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisconnection functionVSAvoidcontamination and damage to connection portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the system into three independent components: the optical module, the connector, and the optical cable. The connector acts as a separate detachable component that can be removed from the optical module while the optical cable remains connected to the connector. This segmentation allows the optical module to be disconnected without exposing the optical cable's connection portion, as the connector serves as a protective interface that remains attached to the cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector functions as an intermediary component between the optical module and the optical cable. It provides a protective interface that can be detached from the module while maintaining connection to the cable, thereby mediating the disconnection process to prevent direct exposure of the cable's connection portion to the external environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the optical cable is separated to disconnect the module, then the module can be removed, but the operation complexity increases due to handling the exposed connection portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule removalVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connection system into module-connector and cable-connector interfaces, the invention simplifies the disconnection operation. The user only needs to detach the connector from the module rather than handling the fragile optical cable itself, reducing operational complexity while achieving module removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the connector includes metal material for optical coupling, then the connection function is achieved, but external electro static discharge may affect the device in the optical module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical coupling functionVSAvoidelectro static discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector serves as an intermediary component that can be designed with ESD protection features. By placing the protective function at the connector level rather than requiring protection throughout the entire optical path, the system can maintain reliable optical coupling while mitigating ESD risks to the sensitive devices within the optical module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3845941B1Optical module assembly
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 SOLID
  • EP3845941B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3845941B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3845941B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided is an optical module assembly including: an optical module body in which an optical transceiver is built; a first connector coupled to one side of the optical module body to be connected to an optical transceiver in the optical module body; a second connector, in which an insertion hole for inserting an optical cable is formed and the optical cable is inserted into the insertion hole, connected to the first connector to connect the optical cable to the optical transceiver connected to the first connector; and a disconnection unit installed on the first connector and the second connector to release the connection between the first connector and the second connector by rotation.