Universal Optical Connector for UPC and APC Fiber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules face challenges in accommodating different types of optical fiber splices, such as UPC and APC, which complicates manufacturing and assembly, leading to increased costs and difficulty in achieving precise optical fiber alignment for efficient light coupling.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a substrate featuring a through hole and grooves on one plate surface, designed to accommodate both UPC and APC types of optical fiber splices, utilizing clamping jaws and a locating ring to securely position the splices within the optical module, allowing for efficient alignment and reduced assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate connectors are designed for different optical fiber splice types (UPC and APC), then the alignment precision and coupling efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal substrate structure that can accommodate both UPC and APC optical fiber splices through a single groove configuration. The groove is positioned and dimensioned to work with both splice types, eliminating the need for separate connector designs for different fiber types while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector separates the alignment function (provided by the groove position and shape) from the fiber type adaptation function (accommodated through the groove's geometric design that works with both UPC and APC configurations). This segmentation allows a single connector structure to serve multiple fiber types without compromising alignment accuracy.
2Reliability
If multiple connector designs are used for different optical fiber splices, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate groove is designed as a multi-functional feature that ensures optimal coupling efficiency for both UPC and APC optical fiber splices. By positioning the groove at a specific location and giving it appropriate dimensions, the connector achieves reliable optical coupling without requiring separate designs for different fiber types, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector merges the requirements for UPC and APC fiber coupling into a single integrated groove design. This combination approach allows the same connector structure to achieve the coupling efficiency of specialized connectors while eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple connector types, reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a universal connector design is used for different optical fiber splices, then the manufacturing cost and assembly simplicity are improved, but the alignment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The groove on the substrate is designed with specific local geometric properties (position, size, shape) that are optimized to work with both UPC and APC fiber splices. This localized optimization ensures that despite the universal nature of the connector, the alignment precision required for efficient optical coupling is maintained for different fiber types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes embodiments of a connector and an optical module, pertaining to the technical field of optoelectronic devices. The connector includes a substrate provided with a through-hole passing through the substrate from a first board surface to a second board surface thereof. The second board surface faces opposite from the first board surface. The first board surface is provided with a first groove and a second groove, and the first groove and the second groove respectively are configured to adapt to different optical fiber splices.