Parallel Optical Connector Angled Fiber Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing mid-plane mountable optical transceiver modules poses challenges in providing economical methods while ensuring precise alignment of ribbon cable optical fibers with reflective optics in the optical connector.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector with a connector housing and optics device featuring a reflective element that redirects parallel optical beams at an angle of at least 90 degrees, using elongated parallel fiber guides oriented at a non-zero angle to securely align and retain optical fibers, and a method for assembling the connector by inserting fibers into the guides and securing them with a cam engagement mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing methods are used for mid-plane mountable optical transceiver modules, then production can be achieved with conventional processes, but precise alignment of ribbon cable optical fibers with reflective optics becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The distal fiber guides are pre-formed at angled orientations within the connector housing before final assembly. This preliminary positioning of fiber guides at the required angles enables subsequent easy insertion and alignment of optical fibers during assembly, achieving precise alignment without complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The angled distal fiber guides serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the straight ribbon cable and the reflective optics. These guides pre-angle the optical fibers as they enter the connector, facilitating seamless alignment with the reflective surfaces without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If optical fibers are inserted straight into the connector, then insertion is simple, but alignment with reflective optics redirected at 90 degrees or more becomes imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The solution introduces angular orientation in the horizontal plane by forming distal fiber guides at non-zero angles relative to the proximal guides. This dimensional change from straight to angled paths enables the optical fibers to be redirected at 90 degrees or more to match the reflective optics orientation, achieving precise alignment without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber path is segmented into distinct proximal and distal guides with different orientations. The proximal guides receive fibers straight from the ribbon cable, while the distal guides angle the fibers to match the reflective optics. This segmentation of the fiber path into oriented segments enables precise alignment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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
The solution ensures precise alignment and secure retention of optical fibers, facilitating efficient optical signal transmission and reducing manufacturing complexity, thereby addressing the alignment challenges in mid-plane mountable transceiver modules.
Implementation Method 1
The optics device has a reflective element configured to redirect two or more parallel optical beams at an angle of at least about 90 degrees between a first axis and a second axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector includes a connector housing and an optics device. A plurality of optical fibers are retained in a fiber port of the connector. The fiber port has two fiber guide arrays oriented at an angle with respect to each other. Portions of the fibers between the two fiber guide arrays flex as the optics device and connector housing are assembled together. The resilient force of the flexed fibers maintains the fiber ends seated within the fiber guide arrays to facilitate further handling, such as applying an adhesive to further secure the fiber ends in the connector.