Photoelectric Plug Lens-Free Mirror Core

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing photoelectric conversion module plugs are bulky due to the presence of a lens block, leading to reduced operability and thickness, making them difficult to handle and connect.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric conversion module plug design that eliminates the lens block by using an opto-electric hybrid board with a mirror surface connected directly to the photonic device, and a casing with a thin and thick portion configuration, allowing the optical fiber to be connected without a lens block, enhancing operability and reducing thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lens block is used to connect the optical fiber to the optical cable, then the optical connection is achieved, but the photoelectric conversion module plug becomes bulky and thick

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical connectionVSAvoidthickness of plug

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the lens block from the optical connection structure. Instead of using a separate lens block component, the invention integrates the optical focusing function directly into the opto-electric hybrid board, removing the bulky lens block and thereby reducing the overall thickness of the photoelectric conversion module plug while maintaining reliable optical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the optical connection function with the opto-electric hybrid board by integrating the optical lens array directly onto the board. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate lens block component, reducing the number of parts and the overall thickness of the plug while ensuring stable optical connection between the optical fiber and the photonic device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the casing surface is made flat, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the operability deteriorates because fingers slip easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing surface fabricationVSAvoidhandleability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a localized protruding portion on the casing surface rather than making the entire surface non-flat. This protruding portion serves as a finger grip area with increased friction, improving handleability only where needed, while the rest of the casing surface can remain relatively simple for ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Length of stationary object

If the lens block is eliminated, then the plug thickness is reduced, but the optical connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness of plugVSAvoidoptical connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the opto-electric hybrid board multi-functional by integrating both the optical connection function and the electrical connection function into a single component. The board simultaneously houses the optical lens array for optical signal transmission and the electrical contacts for electrical signals, eliminating the need for separate lens block and reducing overall structural complexity despite the advanced integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Volume of moving object

If the optical fiber and electrical connector are arranged close together, then the plug size is reduced, but the signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug sizeVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by arranging the optical fiber and electrical connector in a nested or closely integrated configuration within the compact plug structure. The opto-electric hybrid board serves as a common platform that houses both the optical components and electrical contacts in close proximity, enabling miniaturization while the board's structural design provides necessary isolation to prevent signal interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design results in a thinner, more operable photoelectric conversion module plug with improved handleability and holdability, allowing for easier connection and disconnection of the electrical connector.

Implementation Method 1

the core includes a mirror surface optically connected to the photonic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240353636A1Photoelectric conversion module plug and optical cable

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 NITTO DENKO CORP

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion module plug includes a PCB, an electrical connector, an opto-electric hybrid board, an optical fiber, a photonic device, and a casing that accommodates them. The opto-electric hybrid board includes a core. The core includes a mirror surface. The electrical connector and the optical fiber are separately arranged in the first direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall that face each other at an interval in the thickness direction. The first wall has a first intermediate surface extending in a direction away from the second wall in the thickness direction. The first intermediate surface faces an electrical connector side in an arrangement direction in which the electrical connector and the optical fiber are arranged.