Fiber to Lens Attach Device Using Pivoted Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment mechanisms for optical fibers in v-grooves face challenges such as uneven pressure distribution, adhesive delamination due to thermal stresses, and complexity in securing the lens, leading to potential optical transceiver failures.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves guiding fibers into grooves with a pivoted mechanism that applies positive pressure using the fiber's stiffness, incorporating a step-back feature to prevent adhesive delamination, and using a mating feature with a clipping mechanism to simplify lens attachment, reducing the need for secondary clips and enhancing measurement verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied onto the fibers with a probe or cover to keep fibers in the v-groove, then fiber positioning is improved, but the pressure distribution becomes uneven causing fibers to lift out of the v-groove
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application is segmented into multiple independent probe tips, each contacting individual fibers or small groups of fibers. This segmentation allows each probe tip to apply pressure locally without creating uneven distribution across the entire fiber array, resolving the contradiction between precise positioning and uniform pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
A compliant intermediary layer or mechanism is introduced between the pressure source and the fibers to distribute pressure evenly. This intermediary element deforms to match the fiber configuration, ensuring uniform pressure distribution while maintaining precise fiber positioning in the v-groove.
2Manufacturing precision
If the v-groove extends to the fiber tip face, then fiber alignment is improved, but thermal stresses cause adhesive delamination creating air gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application and curing process is performed as a preliminary action before the fiber array is subjected to thermal stresses during operation. This preliminary bonding establishes a strong adhesive joint that can withstand subsequent thermal cycling, preventing delamination while maintaining the v-groove extension for alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
A stress-relief feature or compliant layer is introduced beforehand to cushion the adhesive joint against thermal stresses. This cushioning element absorbs thermal expansion and contraction forces, protecting the adhesive bond from delamination while allowing the v-groove to extend to the fiber tip for precise alignment.
3Reliability
If a secondary clip is used to hold the lens into the receiving block, then lens attachment reliability is improved, but the attachment scheme becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The lens attachment features are merged with the existing receiving block structure. Instead of adding a separate secondary clip, the receiving block incorporates integrated retention features such as recesses, interference-fit elements, or adhesive surfaces that directly secure the lens, maintaining reliability while eliminating the need for additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving block is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the mounting structure and the lens attachment mechanism. The same structural elements that receive and position the fiber array also provide lens retention features, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable lens attachment.
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 approach ensures even fiber contact within the grooves, minimizes adhesive delamination, and simplifies the attachment process, leading to improved reliability and ease of assembly for optical transceivers.
Implementation Method 1
pivoted to apply a positive pressure using the fiber stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method of attaching fiber optics to a transceiver are provided. Specifically, a connector module may include a fiber input angled relative to a lens groove or set of grooves such that the inherent stiffness of the fiber can be used to provide a positive pressure of the fiber when attaching the fiber to the groove or set of grooves.