Optical Connector Receptacle Perimeter Notch Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-bandwidth optical communication systems face challenges in maintaining proper alignment between optical transceiver devices and connectors, leading to potential optical signal loss due to misalignment, especially as device sizes decrease and data transfer rates increase.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of optical connector systems with mechanical features such as perimeter notches, biasing members, and retractable ferrule cover members that ensure precise alignment of active components like photodiodes and laser diodes with optical fibers, minimizing mechanical forces applied to these components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the size of optical transceiver devices decreases to increase integration density, then device miniaturization is achieved, but alignment precision between transceiver devices and optical connectors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of optical transceiver devicesVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a receptacle as an intermediary component between the optical connector and the active components (photodiodes and laser diodes). The receptacle provides a stable mounting platform with precise mechanical features that ensure proper alignment, effectively decoupling the miniaturization of transceiver devices from alignment precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle is pre-configured with mechanical alignment features including a perimeter notch that defines a connector engagement surface, and an active component substrate that is pre-aligned with the ferrule opening. This preliminary alignment preparation ensures that when the optical connector is inserted, precise alignment is automatically achieved without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If data transfer rate increases to high bandwidth levels, then communication capacity is improved, but signal loss due to misalignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidoptical signal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms with a precisely engineered mechanical engagement system. The perimeter notch and connector engagement surface provide automatic mechanical alignment when the optical connector is inserted into the receptacle, ensuring consistent alignment without requiring manual adjustment or complex actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of trying to make the optical connector itself self-aligning through complex mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by making the receptacle the active alignment element. The receptacle's fixed mechanical features (perimeter notch, aligned active component substrate) provide the reference frame, and the connector simply needs to engage with these features to achieve proper alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If mechanical alignment features are added to ensure precise alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the alignment function into distinct modular features: the perimeter notch in the rear wall, the connector engagement surface, and the pre-aligned active component substrate. Each feature performs a specific alignment function, and together they provide comprehensive alignment without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical alignment features are designed to be self-aligning through the insertion process itself. When the optical connector is inserted into the receptacle, the perimeter notch and engagement surface automatically guide and position the connector in the correct alignment with the active components, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9500826B2Optical connector systems for high-bandwidth optical communication

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

AI summary

Receptacles and optical connector systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a receptacle includes a receptacle body defining a connector cavity, wherein the receptacle body comprises a rear wall having a first surface and a second surface. The rear wall includes a ferrule opening dimensioned to accept a ferrule body of an optical connector. A connector engagement portion includes a perimeter notch within the second surface of the rear wall and surrounding the ferrule opening. The perimeter notch defines a connector engagement surface that is dimensioned to contact a portion of the optical connector. The receptacle further includes an active component assembly including a substrate, wherein the substrate is coupled to the first surface of the rear wall, and an active component substrate having an array of active components, wherein the active component substrate is aligned with the ferrule opening of the rear wall.