Optical Module Adapter Elastomer Assembly for Stable Connector Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules face issues with optical power, space management, thermal management, insertion loss, and manufacturing yield, particularly due to instability in the connection between the adapter and housing during assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an elastomer coupled to the adapter and compressed by the housing, which compensates for manufacturing tolerances and maintains stability by deforming to fill gaps between the adapter and housing, ensuring they remain stationary relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adapter and housing are directly connected without an elastomer, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the connection stability is poor due to manufacturing tolerances causing relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomer is introduced as an intermediary component between the adapter and housing. The elastomer compensates for manufacturing tolerances and prevents relative movement between the adapter and housing, thereby improving connection stability without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer changes its physical parameters (deforms) in response to compression forces from the housing. This deformation allows the elastomer to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and maintain stable contact between the adapter and housing, resolving the stability issue while keeping the structure relatively simple
2Reliability
If manufacturing tolerances are tightly controlled to eliminate gaps between adapter and housing, then connection stability improves, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer serves as a mediator that absorbs the impact of manufacturing tolerances. Instead of requiring tight tolerance control, the elastomer compensates for dimensional variations, allowing manufacturers to use more relaxed tolerances while still achieving stable connections
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the adapter. When the housing is assembled, the elastomer is compressed and deforms to fill gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances, preventing relative movement before it can occur during operation
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
Enhances stability and reliability of signal transmission by stabilizing the adapter and housing connection, thereby improving optical module performance and reducing manufacturing defects.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer is coupled to the adapter, and the housing compresses the elastomer... which compensates for manufacturing tolerances and maintains stability by deforming to fill gaps between the adapter and housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical module, including a housing, an adapter, an optical connector, and an elastomer. The adapter is coupled to the housing. The optical connector is received in the adapter. The elastomer is coupled to the adapter. The housing compresses the elastomer. In one embodiment, an optical module includes a plurality of adapters, optical connectors, or elastomers.