Optical Transceiver Waterproof Cap Step Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transmitting and receiving units in endoscope systems face challenges with contamination leading to optical loss due to the distal end face of optical fibers, particularly when trying to maintain waterproof properties while reducing the diameter of the insertion unit for easier insertion into body cavities.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmitting and receiving unit is designed with a metal case having step portions of varying diameters, where the closest step portion to the optical connecting area contacts a waterproof cap along its entire circumference, ensuring watertight sealing, and optionally incorporates an O-ring in a groove portion for enhanced water-tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the diameter of the insertion unit is reduced for easier insertion into body cavities, then ease of insertion is improved, but the risk of contamination to the optical fiber distal end face increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cap is provided in advance to cover and protect the distal end face of the optical fiber before insertion. The cap includes a protective film that prevents contamination from attaching to the optical fiber end face during the insertion process into body cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof cap acts as an intermediary protective element between the optical fiber distal end face and the contaminated environment. It includes a protective film that directly contacts and shields the optical fiber end face, preventing harmful contamination while allowing the insertion unit to maintain a reduced diameter.
2Productivity
If the optical connector is exposed for signal transmission, then signal transmission capability is improved, but waterproof properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cap is prepared in advance with a protective film covering the optical fiber distal end face. This preliminary protection allows the optical connector to be positioned for signal transmission while the protective film remains in place to prevent contamination, maintaining both signal transmission capability and waterproof properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof cap includes a thin protective film that covers the distal end face of the optical fiber. This thin film structure allows optical signals to pass through while providing waterproof protection, thus maintaining signal transmission capability without compromising waterproof properties.
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical fiber distal end face is exposed to clean the contamination, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability during operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The protective film on the waterproof cap is applied in advance before the optical fiber is inserted into the body. This preliminary protection ensures the optical fiber end face remains clean during insertion and operation, maintaining operational reliability without requiring post-insertion cleaning that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective film acts as an intermediary barrier that maintains the cleanliness of the optical fiber distal end face during operation. It prevents contamination from reaching the optical fiber end face, ensuring both manufacturing precision is maintained and operational reliability is preserved without needing to expose the end face during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmitting and receiving unit includes: an optical transmitting module having a light emitting element and having a metal case that stores the light emitting element; an optical connector having a ferrule for holding an optical fiber and having a flange portion provided at one end of the ferrule, the ferrule being inserted into a sleeve of the metal case to connect the optical connector with the optical transmitting module; and a tubular waterproof cap that has a bottom, with one end open and the other end closed, and caps the optical connector to seal an optical connecting portion between the optical connector and the optical transmitting module in a watertight manner. The metal case has step portions with different outside diameters. One of the step portions closest to the optical connecting portion contacts an inner surface of the waterproof cap along an entire circumference thereof.