Single Pair Ethernet Connector With Integrated Light Guide Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) connectors lack the ability to provide visual signal feedback regarding functionality, operating state, and integrity, especially for rod-shaped devices, and do not efficiently utilize limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
A connector device incorporating a light source and light-guide element for optical signaling, allowing for integrated and compact construction, with light-emitting diodes generating light emissions that are coupled into the light-guide element for distribution in a coupling-out area, enabling visible feedback on the connector's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate display unit is used to provide visual signal feedback, then the functionality and user accessibility are improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display function with the connector housing by integrating a light guide element directly into the housing structure. The light guide is formed as an integral part of the housing or as a closely coupled component, merging the signaling function with the structural housing to eliminate separate display units while maintaining visual feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, enables mechanical connection, and now also serves as the housing for the optical signaling system. The light guide element is integrated into the housing to provide visual feedback, making the housing a multi-functional component that combines structural and signaling roles.
2Loss of information
If a separate display unit is used to provide visual signal feedback, then the information feedback capability is improved, but the installation space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is merged with the connector housing by integrating the light guide element into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate display units and reduces the overall installation space while maintaining full information feedback capability through optical signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element is nested within the connector housing structure. The optical signaling components are housed within the existing connector volume, utilizing the internal space of the housing to accommodate the light guide without requiring additional external space.
3Device complexity
If the connector structure is simplified to reduce device complexity, then the manufacturing and installation are improved, but the mechanical stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide element is integrated into the connector housing as a unified structure, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps. This merging of functions simplifies the overall device complexity while the light guide itself provides structural contribution to the housing assembly.
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 provides a compact, integrated SPE connector that offers visual feedback on the connector's status, enhancing user accessibility and system safety by utilizing limited space effectively and improving mechanical stability, while avoiding the need for separate display units.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (2, 2a) for generating a light emission
Implementation Method 2
a light-guide element (3) for guiding the light emission generated by the light source (2, 2a) such that an output-light distribution is generated
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device produces a connection by means of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). The connector device includes at least one connection element for an SPE connection, a light source for generating a light emission, and a light-guide element. The light source is set up to couple the generated light emission into the light-guide element, and the light-guide element is set up to couple an output-light distribution out in a coupling-out area.