Optical Receptacle With Switchable Inclined Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules require changes in photoelectric conversion device configurations when the positions of transmitting and receiving optical fibers are altered, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential fiber damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical receptacle with specific optical surfaces and a switchable inclined surface, functioning as either a transmission or reflection surface depending on the presence of an optically transparent material, allows for optical coupling between photoelectric conversion elements and optical transmission members without altering the photoelectric conversion device configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the positions of transmitting and receiving optical fibers are changed in the optical connector, then the optical module can adapt to different connector configurations, but the photoelectric conversion device configuration must be changed accordingly, increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receptacle is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both transmitting and receiving optical fibers in different positions. By incorporating multiple optical surfaces (first, second, third optical surfaces on one side and fourth, fifth optical surfaces on the other side) and switchable reflection/transmission functions, a single photoelectric conversion device configuration can serve multiple connector arrangements, eliminating the need to manufacture different device types for different fiber positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic element - the inclined surface that can function as either a reflection surface or a transmission surface. This switchable functionality allows the optical receptacle to adapt its light path configuration based on the position of optical fibers, enabling the same hardware configuration to handle different fiber arrangements without requiring physical reconfiguration or manufacturing variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the positions of transmitting and receiving optical fibers are changed, then adapter compatibility is improved, but optical fiber may be damaged due to forced position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receptacle acts as an intermediary component between the optical fibers and the photoelectric conversion device. It provides a flexible optical path management system with multiple surfaces that can redirect light paths to accommodate different fiber positions without requiring physical manipulation or forcing of the optical fibers, thereby protecting fiber integrity while achieving adapter compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the positions of transmitting and receiving optical fibers are changed, then connector versatility is improved, but the photoelectric conversion device configuration must be altered, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single optical receptacle structure. By integrating multiple optical surfaces (first through fifth optical surfaces) with different functions (collimation, focusing, reflection, transmission) into one component, the system achieves connector versatility without increasing the complexity of the photoelectric conversion device configuration. The receptacle itself becomes the complex adaptive element rather than requiring changes to the photoelectric conversion device.
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
Enables optical coupling between light emitting/receiving elements and optical transmission members without changing the photoelectric conversion device configuration, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing fiber damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflection surface disposed on a light path between the first optical surface and the fifth optical surface, the first reflection surface being configured to reflect, toward the fifth optical surface, light entered from the first optical surface, or reflect, toward the first optical surface, light entered from the fifth optical surface
Implementation Method 2
a second reflection surface disposed on a light path between the second optical surface and the fourth optical surface, the second reflection surface being configured to reflect, toward the fourth optical surface, light entered from the second optical surface, or reflect, toward the second optical surface, light entered from the fourth optical surface
Implementation Method 3
The inclined surface functions as a transmission surface when the inclined surface is covered with an optically transparent material
Implementation Method 4
When the inclined surface functions as the reflection surface, the inclined surface reflects, toward the fifth optical surface, light entered from the third optical surface, and reflects, toward the third optical surface, the light entered from the fifth optical surface
Implementation Method 5
configured for optically coupling a light emitting element or a light receiving element of a photoelectric conversion device and at least one of end surfaces of a plurality of optical transmission members
Data Source
AI summary
This optical receptacle includes: first, second, and third optical surfaces disposed on a first surface that faces a photoelectric conversion device; fourth and fifth optical surfaces that are disposed on a second surface that faces an optical transmission body; a first reflection surface that is disposed on an optical path between the first optical surface and the fifth optical surface; a second reflection surface that is disposed on an optical path between the second optical surface and the fourth optical surface; and an inclined surface that is disposed between the first reflection surface and the fifth optical surface on an optical path between the first optical surface and the fifth optical surface. The inclined surface functions as a transmissive surface when covered by a light-transmissive material, and functions as a reflective surface when not covered by a light-transmissive material.