Direct-Guided Optical Module Using Plastic Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules using glass optical fibers require complex structures, high precision, and increased costs due to the need for light converters and precise assembly, which complicates signal transmission and increases energy loss, especially for short-distance applications.
Innovation Solution
A direct-guided optical module using plastic optical fibers with a controlled fiber core and wrapping layer ratio, eliminating the need for light converters and simplifying assembly by directly aligning the fiber end face with the functional module, reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass optical fiber is used for optical transmission, then signal transmission quality over long distances is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required light converters and precise assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the light converter component from the optical module structure. By using plastic optical fiber with larger core diameter, the system can directly couple light between the fiber and functional module without requiring intermediate light converters, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining transmission quality for short-distance applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass optical fiber to plastic optical fiber, and specifically utilizes plastic optical fiber with a core diameter parameter of 0.6-1.0mm. This parameter change enables direct coupling without light converters, reducing structural complexity while achieving satisfactory transmission quality for distances under 100 meters
2Ease of operation
If light converters are added to change light direction, then optical signal transmission is enabled, but manufacturing cost and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light converter component is completely removed from the system. The patent achieves optical signal transmission by directly coupling the plastic optical fiber end face with the functional module, eliminating the need for light converters and their associated precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
By changing to plastic optical fiber with larger core diameter (0.6-1.0mm), the system tolerates larger alignment deviations during assembly. This parameter change makes the assembly process much easier and less costly, as the larger core provides a larger coupling area that is more forgiving of positioning errors
3Reliability
If light converters and mirrors are used for optical path switching, then signal transmission is achieved, but energy loss increases and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes light converters and mirrors from the optical path. By using plastic optical fiber with direct coupling to the functional module, the system eliminates multiple optical interfaces that would cause reflection losses and absorption losses, thereby reducing overall light energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical fiber end face directly with the functional module interface, eliminating intermediate optical components. This direct coupling reduces the number of optical interfaces from multiple (fiber-to-converter, converter-to-mirror, mirror-to-module) to a single direct interface, minimizing energy loss at each interface
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
This solution significantly reduces production costs and expands applicability by allowing efficient optical signal transmission over limited distances, while maintaining lower costs and simplified assembly processes, achieving a cost reduction of seven to ten times compared to traditional glass fiber modules.
Implementation Method 1
POF can transmit light because it has core-sheath structure, and light is transmitted through POF by total reflection
Implementation Method 2
an optical transmission reflecting surface is formed between the optical fiber core and the wrapping layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical fiber signal direct guided optical module which comprises a connector, a control circuit board and a plastic optical fiber. The control circuit board is connected to the connector and is provided with a functional optical module. The plastic optical fiber is provided with an optical fiber end face corresponding to the functional optical module. The distance L between the end face of the optical fiber and the top face of the functional optical module is in range Of 50 μm to 150 μm. Optical signals emitted by the end face of the optical fiber can be directly received by the functional optical module, and optical signals emitted by the functional optical module can also directly penetrate through the end face of the optical fiber to be received by the plastic optical fiber.