Rotatable Optical Connector for Compact Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of communication devices is hindered by the need for optical fibers to maintain a bending radius greater than the minimum to reduce optical transmission loss, which restricts the design flexibility of optical communication modules.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication module design that allows the optical connector to rotate around the optical unit, enabling connection in arbitrary directions while maintaining optical coupling, by intersecting the optical axis and connector axis at a specific angle, thereby accommodating various connection orientations without compromising optical coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If optical fibers are laid with a bending radius larger than the minimum bending radius to reduce optical transmission loss, then optical transmission loss is reduced, but the device size increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is designed to be rotatable around the optical unit, allowing dynamic adjustment of the connection direction. This enables the optical fiber routing to be optimized for compactness while maintaining adequate bending radius through flexible reconfiguration rather than fixed rigid routing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational freedom around the optical unit, adding a dimensional aspect to the connector positioning. This allows the optical fiber to be routed in three-dimensional space, enabling compact device layout while maintaining sufficient bending radius through spatial optimization
2Loss of energy
If optical fibers are laid with a bending radius larger than the minimum bending radius to reduce optical transmission loss, then optical transmission loss is reduced, but design flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable optical connector provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the connection direction to be adjusted according to different mounting configurations and spatial constraints, thereby enhancing design flexibility while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector is designed with multi-directional connectivity capability, enabling it to adapt to various connection orientations and configurations. This universal design allows the same connector to serve multiple mounting scenarios without compromising optical transmission quality
3Ease of manufacture
If the optical connector is fixed in a specific orientation, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but connection flexibility and miniaturization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connector design maintains relatively simple manufacturing by using standard connector components with added rotational capability. The rotational mechanism allows compact fiber routing without requiring complex custom-molded connector geometries, balancing manufacturability with space efficiency
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
This design enhances the flexibility of optical communication module connections, allowing for miniaturization while maintaining efficient optical coupling, reducing optical losses, and enabling more compact device configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The optical semiconductor element has a first optical axis... The optical semiconductor element emits or detects light
Implementation Method 2
An optical fiber makes use of total reflections at an interface between a clad and a core in order to transmit light therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an optical communication module includes an optical unit and an optical connector. The optical unit includes an optical semiconductor element and a base. The optical semiconductor element has a first optical axis. The base has a first surface and a mounting portion to mount an optical connector. The first surface is perpendicular to the first optical axis. The base is provided with the optical semiconductor element. The optical connector is mounted at the mounting portion and is capable of rotating around the first optical axis. The optical connector includes a first housing and a light-guiding body. The first housing has a second surface facing the first surface and a second axis crossing the first optical axis at a first angle. The light-guiding body is provided inside the first housing and has an end plane perpendicular to the second axis.