Optical Transceiver Ferrule Fastening Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical transceivers face issues with the ferrule not maintaining its expected position due to external forces, affecting the coupling efficiency between the active component and optical fibers.

Innovation Solution

An optical transceiver design featuring a ferrule fastening component with an interference fit between the receptacle, ferrule, and the ferrule fastening component, which includes a first and second holding portion and a cap, providing structural strength and preventing the ferrule from shifting, and a monolithic construction for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the ferrule is bonded to the receptacle by glue, then the assembly is simple, but the ferrule cannot maintain its expected position under external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidferrule position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (glue) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of a ferrule fastening component that includes holding portions engaging with the ferrule and receptacle. This mechanical structure provides reliable position maintenance under external forces while keeping the manufacturing process simple and tool-free.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ferrule fastening component acts as an intermediary element between the ferrule and the receptacle. It provides a dedicated mechanical interface that secures the ferrule in place without requiring direct bonding between the ferrule and receptacle, thereby solving the position stability issue while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a ferrule fastening component with multiple parts is used, then the ferrule position is stabilized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferrule position stabilityVSAvoidnumber of assembling parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional parts (holding portions and cap) into a single integrated ferrule fastening component made of elastic material. This monolithic structure provides the necessary mechanical fastening function while eliminating the need for assembling multiple separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ferrule position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the elastic property parameter of the fastening component material to enable the holding portions to deform and engage with the ferrule and receptacle. This material parameter change allows the single-piece component to provide stable mechanical fastening without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11067764B2Optical transceiver

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 PRIME WORLD INT HLDG LTD

AI summary

An optical transceiver includes a receptacle, a ferrule and a ferrule fastening component. The receptacle includes a supporting portion and an inset portion connected with each other. The ferrule is disposed within the inset portion. The ferrule fastening component is disposed on the receptacle. The ferrule fastening component includes a first holding portion, a cap and a second holding portion connected together. The cap is located between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. The first holding portion touches the supporting portion, the second holding portion touches the ferrule, and the cap covers a first area of a top surface of the receptacle.