Rolling-Guide Bracket for Precise CPO Connector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in aligning connectors with high accuracy, which is crucial for minimizing signal transmission loss in co-packaged optics (CPO) systems.

Innovation Solution

A bracket design incorporating a guide member, a moving member for the connector, and a rolling element embedded in a groove within the guide member, allowing for precise alignment of the connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is moved toward a socket for connection, then the connector can be connected to transmit signals, but the alignment accuracy between connectors deteriorates leading to signal transmission loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A guide member with a groove and rolling element is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the connector and socket. The rolling element embeds in the groove to provide precise guidance and constraint during movement, ensuring high alignment accuracy while the connector moves toward the socket for reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A rolling element (circular/spherical component) is used between the guide member and moving member. The curved surface of the rolling element enables smooth movement while maintaining precise alignment through rotational rolling rather than sliding, reducing friction and improving alignment stability during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Manufacturing precision

If a guide mechanism is added to improve alignment accuracy, then connector alignment improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a guide member with a groove, a moving member, and a rolling element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (guidance, movement, and rolling constraint) while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable, reducing complexity compared to an integrated monolithic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling element provides a simple curved geometric solution that achieves complex guidance functionality. The circular shape inherently provides smooth rotational movement and natural alignment through its geometry, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while maintaining high alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 proposed solution enables high-accuracy alignment of the connector, reducing signal transmission loss and ensuring reliable connections in CPO systems.

Implementation Method 1

a rolling element located between the guide member and the moving member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS20250172173A1Bracket, inspection device, and method of manufacturing bracket

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 YOKOWO CO LTD

AI summary

A bracket includes a guide member, a moving member for moving a connector relative to the guide member, and a rolling element located between the guide member and the moving member. At least a part of the rolling element is embedded in a groove provided in the guide member.