Detector Module Free-Radiating Optical Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detector modules face challenges in integrating optical and electrical assemblies within predefined dimensions, particularly in high-bit-rate data signal reception, where housing height constraints and alignment issues affect performance and stability.
Innovation Solution
A detector module design featuring a free-radiating connection between optical and electrical assemblies, allowing separate construction and contactless alignment, which reduces space requirements, enhances stability, and minimizes the impact of external influences like temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fiber-optic connection is used between optical and electrical assemblies, then alignment stability is improved, but space requirements and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber-optic connection from the system, extracting the problematic element that caused both alignment stability issues and space consumption. The free-radiating connection eliminates the need for physical fiber coupling, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining alignment stability through contactless optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber-optic connection system with a free-radiating connection system. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and physical alignment requirements, reducing space consumption while maintaining optical coupling efficiency through electromagnetic radiation transmission.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical and electrical assemblies are constructed separately, then manufacturing ease and stability are improved, but alignment precision between assemblies becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a free-radiating connection as an intermediary between separately constructed optical and electrical assemblies. This intermediary enables contactless optical coupling that is tolerant of misalignments, allowing assemblies to be manufactured and positioned independently while maintaining precise optical coupling through the radiating connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling parameter from physical contact (fiber-optic) to electromagnetic radiation transmission. This parameter change enables greater tolerance for positional variations between separately constructed assemblies, maintaining alignment precision through the physics of free-space optical coupling rather than mechanical contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If housing height is reduced to meet predefined dimensions, then adaptability to standard modules is improved, but integration complexity of optical and electrical assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector module into independently constructed optical and electrical assemblies connected by free-radiating connection. This segmentation allows each assembly to be optimized for minimal height independently, enabling the overall module to meet predefined housing height constraints while reducing integration complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional physical contact integration to free-space optical coupling, effectively using the third dimension (free space) for optical transmission. This dimensional change allows compact integration within predefined housing heights by eliminating the need for deep mechanical integration paths.
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 enables efficient reception of high-bit-rate data signals with reduced space requirements, improved stability, and robustness against external influences, while allowing for separate and stable assembly of optical and electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
transmits at least one beam comprising collimated electromagnetic rays running parallel to one another via a free-radiating connection as optical interface to the electrical assembly
Implementation Method 2
the electrical assembly having at least one photodiode for converting the optical output signals of the optical assembly into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A detector module for the reception of optical signals (SE) including a module housing having at least one electrical and at least one optical bushing, at least one electrical assembly connected to the electrical bushing, and at least one optical assembly connected to the optical bushing, the electrical and optical assemblies being arranged within the module housing, the optical and electrical assemblies being connected to one another via at least one optical interface, and the electrical assembly having at least one photodiode for converting the optical output signals of the optical assembly into electrical signals. The optical assembly has at least one collimator and on the output side transmits at least one beam comprising collimated electromagnetic rays running parallel to one another via a free-radiating connection as optical interface to the electrical assembly, and the electrical assembly receives the beam from the optical assembly via the free-radiating connection.