Optical Module Ferrule Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connectors are bulky due to their design, which makes them difficult to miniaturize, and they suffer from poor reproducibility in optical connections due to the use of concavo-convex engagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design featuring a housing with a ferrule that includes a first fixing portion for perpendicular fixation and a second fixing portion that can change states to fix or release the ferrule along the optical axis, allowing for adjustable positioning and improved connection stability using elastic springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the optical connector is sandwiched by housings from upper and lower sides, then the optical connector is fixed in position, but the thickness in the vertical direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical sandwich fixation to horizontal insertion fixation. The optical connector is inserted horizontally into the housing along the optical axis direction, changing the fixation dimension from vertical to horizontal, thereby reducing vertical thickness while maintaining positioning stability through the insertion structure and engagement means.
2Force
If coiled springs are provided in the housing to push the optical connector, then the optical connector is pushed in the direction of the joint end face, but the size of the housing increases in the direction of the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coiled spring mechanism from the housing structure and replaces it with an elastic member integrated into the optical connector assembly. The elastic member is attached to the optical connector itself, eliminating the need for separate springs in the housing, thereby reducing housing size while maintaining the necessary pushing force for optical contact.
3Ease of manufacture
If concavo-convex engagement means are used, then the housings are mutually fitted, but reproducibility of the connection is bad
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engagement mechanism into multiple functional components: insertion guides for precise alignment, elastic members for force application, and engagement protrusions for secure connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving connection reproducibility while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.
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
The design enables a thinner, more compact optical module with high reproducibility and reduced optical connection loss, as demonstrated by experimental results showing minimal output change during attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body which pushes the first fixing portion in the direction of the optical axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical module which includes a housing having a placing portion and an optical input-output portion facing an optical input-output surface of a ferrule; a first fixing portion for fixing the ferrule to the housing in the direction of the Z-axis perpendicular to the placing portion; and a second fixing portion for fixing the ferrule to the housing in the direction of the Y-axis perpendicular to the optical input-output surface, wherein the second fixing portion can change states from the first state to the second state and vice versa; the first fixing portion fixes the ferrule in the direction of the Z-axis when the first fixing portion is at a first position, and does not fix the ferrule in the Z-axis direction when the first fixing portion is at a second position; and the first fixing portion moves from the second position to the first position when the second fixing portion changes its state from the second state to the first state.