Optical Module Guide Pin Projection for MT Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules connected to MT connectors face challenges in downsizing while maintaining precise optical axis alignment and mechanical stability due to the length requirements of guide pins and MT ferrules, which are not securely fixed, leading to potential misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates a substrate with a resin holding member and guide pins secured by locking pieces, ensuring a shorter total length of at least 1.9 mm to 2.8 mm, with one end of the guide pins projecting 2.8 mm or more, while maintaining mechanical and optical connection through precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide pins are made longer to ensure stable connection and alignment, then connection reliability is improved, but the overall length of the optical module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is divided into distinct functional segments: a connector portion containing the guide pins for connection/alignment functions, and a separate main body portion containing optical components. This segmentation allows the guide pins to be optimized for connection reliability while the main body can be compact, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and overall module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the guide pins to project from the side surface of the connector portion rather than extending the overall length of the module. By utilizing the lateral dimension for guide pin projection, the connection reliability is maintained while the longitudinal length of the optical module is reduced.
2Volume of moving object
If guide pins are made shorter to reduce module size, then compactness is improved, but alignment precision and connection stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the guide pin function into a dedicated connector portion that can be optimally sized for alignment precision, the main body can be minimized for compactness. The guide pins in the connector portion maintain sufficient length for precise alignment while the overall module volume is reduced through efficient spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the guide pin projection length parameter to be at least 2.8 mm, which is the minimum required for reliable alignment with MT connectors. This parameter optimization ensures alignment precision is maintained while preventing excessive length that would increase module size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guide pins are not secured to prevent movement, then flexibility is improved, but positional stability and alignment accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portion is designed as a separate segment that can be optimally configured for guiding functions. Within this segmented structure, guide pins are properly secured to maintain positional stability during connection, while the overall module retains flexibility through modular design and appropriate material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portion with secured guide pins can be designed as a replaceable component. If misalignment or wear occurs, only the connector portion needs replacement rather than the entire module, providing flexibility for maintenance while ensuring positional stability during normal operation through proper securing of guide pins.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module 10 include a substrate 11, a holding member 12 of resin that is secured to the substrate 11, has a pair of through holes 21 drilled through the substrate 11 in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface 11a, and the entire length L in the direction orthogonal to the upper surface 11a is at least 1.9 mm and less than 2.8 mm, and a pair of guide pins 13 that are inserted into the through holes 21 and secured to the holding member 12 by locking pieces 14, in which one end section of each of the guide pins 13 is held by the holding member 12 across the entire length L and the other end section to be inserted into one of guide pin insertion holes 32 of the MT connector 30 projects 2.8 mm or more from the holding member 12. This structure downsizes the optical module connected to an MT connector.