Alignment Pin for Optical Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication systems, achieving precise positioning and stable alignment of optical components is challenging due to the limitations of electrical signals, which affects signal integrity and bandwidth, especially as data rates increase.
Innovation Solution
An alignment pin system is introduced, comprising a body with three portions extending through the printed circuit board, optical coupling device, and external optical component, featuring an abutting surface for precise alignment and robust connection, ensuring optimal optical coupling without altering the relative positioning of components during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical communication lines are used to increase data rates, then bandwidth demand is met, but signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical communication lines with optical communication lines. The alignment pin enables precise mechanical positioning of optical components, allowing light to carry data at high speeds without the signal integrity limitations of electrical signals. This substitution of electrical system with optical system resolves the contradiction between high data rate and signal integrity.
2Productivity
If optical coupling device is precisely positioned, then light transfer efficiency is improved, but positioning stability becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin performs preliminary positioning action during assembly. By providing a precise mechanical reference that extends through all three components (printed circuit board, optical coupling device, and external optical component), the pin establishes the correct relative positions before final assembly is completed. This preliminary positioning ensures both high light transfer efficiency and stable positioning maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the printed circuit board, optical coupling device, and external optical component. It provides a stable mechanical reference that transfers positioning information through the assembly, ensuring that all components maintain their precise relative positions without requiring complex active control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are precisely aligned, then optical coupling is optimized, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin merges the alignment functions for multiple components into a single integrated element. Instead of requiring separate alignment mechanisms for each component interface, the pin provides a unified reference that simultaneously ensures precise alignment between the printed circuit board, optical coupling device, and external optical component, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment pin for an optical communication system comprises: a first portion (31) extending along a direction in a receiving hole of a printed circuit board, a second portion (32) extending along this direction in a receiving through hole of an optical coupling device, a third portion (33) extending along this direction in a receiving hole of an external optical component. The pin comprises an abutting surface (35) placed in contact with a parallel complementary surface (36) of the optical coupling device.