Optical Fiber Bundle Coupling via Transparent Potting Compound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling optical conversion elements, such as LEDs, with glass fiber bundles are complex, require significant installation space, and often result in loose connections and high attenuation losses, making them costly and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
Embedding the optical conversion element and glass fiber bundle in a transparent potting compound, where the refractive index of the compound matches the core of the fibers, allowing for efficient light guidance without the need for polishing or expensive tools, and using a sleeve filled with a light-curing or heat-curing casting compound to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are used to couple the fiber bundle to the optical conversion element, then the connection can be made and disconnected, but the installation space increases and the connection may become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical conversion element and fiber bundle ends into a single integrated unit by embedding both in potting compound, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing installation space while maintaining stable optical coupling
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are used to couple the fiber bundle to the optical conversion element, then the connection can be made and disconnected, but the connection becomes loose and attenuation losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical conversion element and fiber bundle ends into a single integrated unit by embedding both in potting compound, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing installation space while maintaining stable optical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment and securing of the fiber bundle to the optical conversion element before final assembly, embedding both components in potting compound to lock them in place and prevent loosening over time
3Loss of energy
If the fiber bundle end face is polished for efficient light coupling, then the light guidance efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces potting compound as an intermediary material between the fiber bundle end face and the optical conversion element, which optically couples the two components without requiring polishing of the fiber end face, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining efficient light guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the coupling interface by using potting compound with specific refractive index properties, matching the optical characteristics to achieve efficient light coupling without mechanical polishing of the fiber end face
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 method simplifies the coupling process, reduces attenuation losses, and provides a stable, cost-effective optical connection, eliminating the need for complex termination and expensive tools, while allowing for efficient light transmission and heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
the refractive index of the compound matches the core of the fibers, allowing for efficient light guidance
Implementation Method 2
using a sleeve filled with a light-curing or heat-curing casting compound to secure the connection
Implementation Method 3
a sleeve filled with a light-curing or heat-curing casting compound to secure the connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The method involves embedding optical conversion element (2) and glass fiber bundle (3) in a transparent casting material (14) which is filled in casing (4). The glass fiber bundle is inserted into casing through a side portion and optical conversion element is inserted into casing through another side portion. An independent claim is included for an optical component.