Opto-Electric Hybrid Board Edge Alignment for Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing opto-electric hybrid boards face issues with damage during handling and transportation due to protruding electric circuit board edges, and poor optical coupling when used as connectors, resulting in quality control problems and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The opto-electric hybrid board design where the electric circuit board and optical waveguide edges are configured to overlap or have the electric circuit board edges inside the optical waveguide edges, with the optical waveguide being thicker than the electric circuit board, and the core includes exposed portions as positioning guides, allowing for precise alignment and reduced vulnerability to impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electric circuit board edges protrude beyond the optical waveguide edges, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the board becomes vulnerable to damage during handling and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by making the optical waveguide extend beyond the electric circuit board edges, rather than having the circuit board protrude. This inversion solves the vulnerability problem while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through laser processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the opto-electric hybrid board into distinct functional zones: a central overlapping region and peripheral extension regions. The optical waveguide extends into peripheral regions that act as protective buffers, separating the vulnerable circuit board edges from external impacts
2Device complexity
If the electric circuit board edges protrude beyond the optical waveguide edges, then the structure is simpler, but the board edges are likely to bump into conveyance guides causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by extending the optical waveguide beyond the circuit board edges to create protective buffer zones. These extended waveguide regions absorb impacts during conveyance before they can reach the vulnerable circuit board edges, preventing damage proactively
3Ease of operation
If the recessed portion opening is designed with large clearance for the electric circuit board, then the fitting process is easier, but the core cannot be positioned accurately resulting in improper optical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the extended optical waveguide regions as intermediary elements between the recessed portion and the core. These extensions provide tactile feedback and physical guidance that mediate the fitting process, enabling accurate core positioning while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with optical alignment based on the extended waveguide structure. The visual and tactile cues from the extended waveguide edges substitute for精密 mechanical positioning mechanisms, achieving high precision through optical-mechanical integration
4Manufacturing precision
If the recessed portion opening is designed with minimum clearance for the electric circuit board, then core positioning is more accurate, but the protruding board edges get caught on the opening edge causing poor workability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the clearance design by making the optical waveguide extend beyond the circuit board edges. This creates clearance for the circuit board while maintaining accurate core positioning through the extended waveguide structure that provides alignment cues
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 configuration enhances handling and quality stability by preventing damage to the electric circuit board and ensuring accurate optical coupling, while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through simplified processing methods like laser irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
perform laser irradiation from above the electric circuit board to process and remove left and right edge portions
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-electric hybrid board includes an electric circuit board in which electric wiring is formed on a front surface of an insulating layer, and an optical waveguide formed on the rear side of the electric circuit board. The optical waveguide and the electric circuit board are arranged so that left and right edges of the electric circuit board along a longitudinal direction of the optical waveguide overlap with left and right edges of the optical waveguide when viewed from above, or so that the left and right edges of the electric circuit board are on the inside of where the left and right edges of the optical waveguide are located. The opto-electric hybrid board is easy to handle owing to the reduced chance of the electric circuit board being damaged. The opto-electric hybrid board also does not cause misalignment of a core when used as a connector.