Fiber Deflection Unit for Easier Optical Fiber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical I/O modules face challenges in accurately aligning and efficiently connecting optical fibers due to vertical placement, which complicates the alignment process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fiber deflection unit with grooves and a reflector is used to deflect light from horizontal to vertical, allowing optical fibers to be placed horizontally, facilitating easier and more accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical fibers are placed vertically, then connection structure is simplified, but alignment accuracy and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial orientation of optical fiber placement from vertical to horizontal by introducing a fiber deflection unit with grooves. This dimensional change allows fibers to be placed horizontally for easier alignment while the deflection unit redirects the light path vertically to maintain connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber deflection unit acts as an intermediary component between the horizontally placed optical fibers and the vertical connection path. It includes grooves for fiber placement and a deflection mechanism (such as a prism or mirror) that redirects light from horizontal to vertical direction, resolving the contradiction between ease of placement and connection orientation.
2Volume of moving object
If optical fibers are placed vertically, then space utilization is improved, but alignment efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients optical fiber placement from vertical to horizontal dimension using the fiber deflection unit. This allows alignment operations to be performed more efficiently in the horizontal plane while the deflection unit ensures proper vertical light path continuation, thus improving alignment productivity without sacrificing space utilization.
3Manufacturing precision
If fiber deflection unit is introduced, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the fiber deflection unit: it provides structural support through grooves for horizontal fiber placement, implements light deflection from horizontal to vertical direction, and maintains optical alignment. By combining these functions into a single integrated unit, the patent improves alignment accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 horizontal placement of optical fibers through the fiber deflection unit enhances alignment accuracy and efficiency in optical connections, improving the performance of optical engines.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector configured to deflect the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes forming an optical engine, which includes a photonic die. The photonic die further includes a grating coupler. The method further includes forming a fiber unit including a fiber platform having a groove, and an optical fiber attached to the fiber platform. The optical fiber extends into the groove. The fiber platform further includes a reflector. The fiber unit is attached to the optical engine, and the reflector is configured to deflect a light beam, so that the light beam emitted by a first one of the optical fiber and the grating coupler is received by a second one of the optical fiber and the grating coupler.