Optical Module Socket With Descend Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sockets are unable to accommodate optical modules that handle both electric and optical signals, failing to provide accurate and reliable connections for optical fiber transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical module socket with a base, electric connection means, holding means, and positioning means for optical transmission, which includes descend/ascend mechanisms and temperature control, ensuring precise alignment and secure connection of optical fibers and electric signals, and maintaining temperature control for the optical module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional sockets are used for mounting optical modules, then the socket structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the optical connection accuracy is insufficient and cannot achieve precise alignment of optical fibers with external optical signal connection means
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into distinct functional modules: a base for mounting, holding means for securing the optical module, positioning means for precise optical alignment, electric connection means for electrical signals, and positioning means for optical transmission means. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning means for optical transmission means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the optical module and external optical fibers. This intermediary component provides the necessary precision alignment (margin of several microns or less) that cannot be achieved through direct connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection accuracy and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sockets are used, then the device structure is simple, but the socket cannot simultaneously accommodate both electric signal terminals and optical signal connection means
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously handle both electric signals and optical signals. The base integrates multiple connection interfaces: electric connection means for electrical terminals and positioning means for optical transmission means. This universal design allows a single socket structure to accommodate optical modules with both types of connection means, eliminating the need for separate sockets for different signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket design transitions from handling only electric signals in a single dimension to simultaneously handling both electric and optical signals across multiple dimensions. The base provides spatial arrangement for both electric connection terminals and optical connection interfaces, enabling dual-signal accommodation through three-dimensional integration rather than sequential or separate handling.
3Measurement precision
If precise optical alignment is implemented, then optical connection accuracy is improved, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning means for optical transmission means is pre-configured during manufacturing to provide precise alignment features such as guide pins, alignment holes, or mechanical stops. This preliminary action ensures that when the optical module is installed and optical fibers are connected, the alignment precision (margin of several microns or less) is automatically achieved without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
4Reliability
If external connection terminals are directly soldered to substrate pads, then the connection is simple, but the external connection terminal may be damaged and replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The external connection terminals are extracted from direct soldering to substrate pads and instead mounted on a separate base through the holding means. This extraction protects the external connection terminals from direct exposure to soldering heat and mechanical stress, reducing the risk of damage. The base acts as an intermediate mounting platform that provides secure attachment while isolating the delicate terminals from harmful manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means and base structure provide beforehand cushioning and protection for the external connection terminals during the soldering process. By positioning the terminals on a separate mount rather than directly on heat-sensitive substrate pads, the design anticipates and mitigates potential thermal damage and mechanical stress, thereby improving connection reliability without requiring complex protective measures during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module socket includes a base on which an optical module is mounted; descend/ascend means which is ascendably and descendably provided in the base and on which the optical module is mounted; holding means for holding the optical module in a predetermined state; pogopins provided in the base to connect with leads of the optical module; and positioning means of optical transmission means which are provided in the holding means and the descend/ascend means and which position, to the optical module, an optical connector to be connected to the optical module.