Sliding Plug Optical Module Sealing for Dense Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional optical modules require significant vertical space for assembly, limiting miniaturization and offering inadequate protection against moisture and dust due to fixed plugs when used in a pluggable form.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable optical module design featuring a socket interface surrounded by a frame with guide members, a sliding plug mechanism, and a locking piece that allows for compact assembly and sealing, enabling efficient space utilization and protection against environmental interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the plug is made pluggable (separable from socket), then maintenance and repair convenience is improved, but protection against moisture and dust deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance convenienceVSAvoidmoisture and dust protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing structure acts as an intermediary between the pluggable interface and the environmental factors. The seal member is positioned between the plug and socket interface, creating a protective barrier that prevents moisture and dust from entering when connected, while still allowing for easy plugging and unplugging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If vertical assembly space is increased, then assembly is simplified, but device miniaturization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly spaceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide members transition from a vertical assembly approach to a horizontal guiding approach. The guide rails extend horizontally along the insertion direction, allowing the plug to be guided into the socket interface through lateral movement rather than requiring significant vertical clearance, thus enabling device miniaturization while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for dense stacking of optical modules in a small space while providing stable sealing against moisture and dust, enhancing maintenance and repair convenience and protection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic arm has an elastic structure, the locking piece is connected to the elastic arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250023294A1Pluggable optical module

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A pluggable optical module includes a socket interface, a frame, two guide members, and a plug. The frame surrounds the socket interface and is provided with an engagement slot at each side. The two guide members are disposed parallel to each other at the two sides of the frame and define an opening. The two guide members each include a guide rail piece, an elastic arm, and a locking piece. The guide rail piece is provided with a guide rail towards the socket interface, the elastic arm has an elastic structure, the locking piece is connected to the elastic arm and located corresponding to the engagement slot. The parallel two sides of the plug respectively have a feature corresponding to the guide rail, so that the plug may slide relative to the guide rail piece to connect to the socket interface or away from the socket interface.