Fiber Management Tray for Optoelectronic PCB Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic devices with fiber optic lines face challenges during SMT/pick and place processes, including dangling fibers that are easily damaged and cause misalignment, inefficiency in manual handling, and incompatibility with automated processes due to weight and manual attachment/detachment requirements of conventional fiber trays.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, thermally stable fiber management tray that attaches to optoelectronic devices using friction or springs, guiding fibers away from heat sources and allowing easy manual or automated attachment/detachment, without screws or magnets, to manage fibers during circuit board manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiber trays are used to manage dangling fibers during SMT processes, then fiber protection is improved, but device weight increases and automated processes become incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber management function is separated from the device body through a detachable tray component. This segmentation allows the tray to be attached only when fiber management is needed during SMT processes, and removed afterward, preventing permanent weight addition while maintaining fiber protection capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities, transitioning from a static permanent fixture to a movable temporary component. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on process requirements, being attached during SMT for fiber protection and removed for subsequent automated assembly steps.
2Reliability
If conventional fiber trays with screws or magnets are used, then fiber management capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual attachment and detachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips) or magnetic attachments are replaced with a friction-based engagement system. The tray utilizes friction between its attachment surface and the device housing to secure itself, eliminating the need for tools or complex mechanisms while maintaining reliable attachment during handling and processing.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for the tray, then ease of automated handling is improved, but thermal stability during soldering processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is constructed from composite materials that combine low density with high thermal stability. This allows the tray to remain lightweight for automated handling while simultaneously withstanding the thermal conditions of soldering processes without deforming or compromising fiber integrity.
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 tray effectively protects fibers from damage, maintains device alignment, and enhances process efficiency by reducing manual handling time and enabling automated processes, while minimizing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The tray attaches to an optoelectronic device using friction or springs
Implementation Method 2
The tray attaches to an optoelectronic device using friction or springs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method of providing a tray suitable for holding an optoelectronic device during printed circuit board manufacturing processes. The apparatus, system and method includes a tray body having an inset for receiving the optoelectronic device; a plurality of positioners for the optoelectronic device within the inset; and a guide channel about a perimeter of the tray body suitable for receiving optical fibers of the optoelectronic device when the optoelectronic device is received in the inset, the guide channel comprising at least one retainer for retaining received ones of the optical fibers therewithin.