Fiber Coupling Housing With Window for Clean Optical Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber coupling devices require detachment and reassembly for adjusting the optical axis when replacing a laser light source, which can lead to contamination and breakage of optical components and fibers, necessitating a clean environment and complex setup for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fiber coupling device with a housing and window configuration that allows for adjustment of the optical axis without detaching the device, using a window to face the laser beam inlet and a motor-driven bend mirror to switch between beam paths, enabling replacement of laser light sources without exposing internal components to contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fiber coupling device is detached for adjusting the optical axis when replacing a laser light source, then the adjustment can be performed, but the optical components and fibers are exposed to contamination and breakage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a detachable connector portion and a main housing portion. The connector can be detached for light source replacement while the main housing with optical components remains intact and protected, allowing adjustment operations without exposing internal optics to contamination
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover or window structure serves as an intermediary between the external environment and internal optical components. This intermediary allows optical axis adjustment to be performed while maintaining the sealed environment, preventing contamination and breakage
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fiber coupling device is detached and reassembled for light source replacement, then the replacement can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: a connector portion that can be quickly detached for light source replacement, and a main housing that remains stationary. This segmentation allows replacement operations without requiring complete disassembly, reducing complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with alignment features and coupling mechanisms that enable quick connection and disconnection. This preliminary design of the interface allows light source replacement to be performed rapidly without complex procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fiber coupling device is detached for light source replacement, then the replacement can be performed, but the risk of contamination and breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device into a detachable connector and a protected main housing, the critical optical components remain enclosed and protected during replacement operations, maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
A protective window or cover acts as an intermediary barrier that allows replacement operations to occur while maintaining the sealed, protected environment of the main housing, preventing contamination and breakage
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 efficient and contamination-free replacement of laser light sources, protecting optical components and fibers, reducing the need for complex maintenance setups and preventing breakage, while maintaining high-power laser beam transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The window is provided inside the housing and faces the laser beam inlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fiber coupling device includes a housing and a window provided in the housing. The fiber coupling device is configured to collectively guide plural laser beams to at least a first fiber, the plurality of laser beams each being emitted from a corresponding one of plural external laser light sources and entering through a laser beam inlet. The housing is configured such that the laser beams enter the housing from the laser beam inlet. The window is provided inside the housing and faces the laser beam inlet. The fiber coupling device is not required to detach when an optical axis is adjusted.