Annular Optical Element for Self-Aligned Light Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical elements for connecting optical transmission lines and light-emitting or light-receiving elements require complex alignment processes and do not effectively reduce light intensity as needed for safety and communication standards.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a first light-collecting area and a second light-collecting area, where the second area forms an annular shape around the optical axis, allowing light to form a ring image, facilitating easy alignment and adjustable light reduction by varying the ratio between the two areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an optical element with light-absorbing material or light shielding film is used to reduce light amount, then light transmission is reduced for safety reasons, but the alignment process becomes more complex and light reduction ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple functional regions: a first light-collecting area for transmitting light and a second light-collecting area with an annular shape for reducing light transmission. This segmentation allows different zones to perform different functions, achieving both light reduction and simplified alignment without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical element are assigned different optical properties. The first light-collecting area has properties optimized for light transmission, while the second light-collecting area has properties optimized for light absorption or shielding. This local differentiation enables the element to simultaneously achieve light reduction and provide alignment guidance through its annular structure.
2Productivity
If conventional optical elements are used for connecting optical transmission line and light-emitting element, then light transmission is maintained, but alignment between elements takes a lot of work
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element provides self-alignment functionality through its annular second light-collecting area. When light passes through this annular region, it forms a visible ring image that automatically indicates the alignment status. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures, allowing the element to guide its own alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular second light-collecting area creates a visible ring image or pattern when light passes through it. This optical pattern serves as a visual indicator for alignment, allowing operators to easily detect and adjust the positioning of optical elements. The presence or absence of the ring image provides immediate feedback on alignment status.
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
Enables easy alignment of optical systems and reduces light transmission by 10% to 40% compared to traditional designs, improving safety and communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a surface of the first light-collecting area is configured such that light from the one side is received by the other side
Implementation Method 2
a surface of the second light-collecting area is configured such that light from the one side forms an image at a position between the optical element and the other side
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element to be interposed between an optical transmission line and a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element such that an optical path from one side to the other passes through the optical element is provided. At least one surface of the optical element is provided with a first light-collecting area and a second light-collecting area. A surface of the first light-collecting area is configured such that light from the one side is received by the other side. A surface of the second light-collecting area is an annular surface or a part of the annular surface and is configured such that light that has passed through the second light-collecting area forms an image in the shape of a ring or a part of the ring at a position between the optical element and the other side.