Optical Plug Translating Cover for Reliable High-Speed Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical connections for consumer devices like smartphones and tablets face challenges in handling rough handling and harsh environments, requiring easy maintenance and high reliability, while also needing to manage small footprints and high data rates.

Innovation Solution

An optical plug connector design featuring a translating cover that protects the optical interface, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance, with alignment pins and resilient members ensuring robust and reliable connectivity without disturbing the optical alignment, enabling high-speed data transmission up to 5 Gigabits/sec.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional optical connector design is used, then the optical interface is exposed and vulnerable to dirt and debris, but adding a protective cover increases device complexity and may interfere with optical alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of optical interfaceVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be movable rather than fixed, translating between a retracted position (allowing optical signals to pass) and an extended position (protecting the optical interface). This dynamic design allows the same component to serve both protective and optical transmission functions, resolving the contradiction between protection and optical signal passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the optical interface is accessible for easy cleaning, then maintenance is easier, but the optical interface is more exposed to contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidexposure to contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable cover design allows users to translate the cover to access the optical interface for cleaning when needed, then return it to the extended position to protect the interface from contaminants during normal use. This resolves the contradiction between accessibility for maintenance and protection from contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the connector is designed for small footprint devices, then it fits consumer devices better, but the connector may be more susceptible to rough handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector footprintVSAvoiddurability under rough handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient members are positioned to engage with the cover and provide cushioning force, absorbing shocks and impacts that may occur during rough handling. This pre-positioned cushioning protection allows the compact connector to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining its small footprint suitable for consumer devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10732361B2Optical plug having a translating cover and a complimentary receptacle

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are optical plug connectors and optical receptacles for making optical connections. In one embodiment, the optical plug connector includes an optical portion having an optical interface and a cover for protecting the optical interface. The cover can translate toward the optical interface when connecting the optical plug connector and a portion of the cover allows transmission of optical signals therethrough.