Fiber Ribbon Light Guide Routing in Compact Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices, space constraints pose challenges in effectively conveying light between different areas using optical components, particularly in guiding light from a light source to desired destinations within or outside the device.
Innovation Solution
The use of a light guide structure formed by a fiber ribbon with optical fibers joined by a binder, which can have bends, to efficiently convey light from a light source to various locations within or outside the electronic device, utilizing principles of total internal reflection and flexible or rigid configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are used to convey light in electronic devices, then light transmission capability is improved, but space constraints and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical fibers are merged into a single ribbon structure, allowing multiple light transmission paths to be consolidated into one compact component that can be easily routed through the device
2Manufacturing precision
If fiber ribbons are made rigid for structural stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different device layouts worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber ribbon structure incorporates flexible sections that allow the ribbon to bend and adapt to different device layouts while maintaining precise fiber alignment through the binder material
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber ribbons are made flexible to accommodate bends, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber ribbon uses a composite structure where fibers are embedded in a binder material that provides both flexibility for bending and structural support for maintaining fiber alignment during manufacturing and operation
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 enables efficient light transmission and emission from a light source to desired locations within or outside the device, enhancing the functionality of electronic devices with optical components while accommodating space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber ribbon may have bends. A light source may provide light to an input of the fiber ribbon. The fiber ribbon may guide the light from the light source from the input to a corresponding output.
Data Source
AI summary
A light pipe such as a fiber ribbon may be formed from fibers joined by binder such as extruded binder. The fiber ribbon or other light pipe may have bends. A light source may provide light to an input of a fiber ribbon that is guided by the fiber ribbon to a corresponding output. The output may be located in an interior portion of an electronic device or may be positioned so that light from the output exits the electronic device and illuminates external objects. The light source may have light-emitting devices on a substrate. The light-emitting devices may be vertical cavity surface-emitting laser diodes or other lasers and/or may be light-emitting diodes. Light-emitting devices may be arranged in discrete clusters corresponding to the locations of fiber cores in the fiber ribbon.