Integrated Lens Mirror Optical Path Converting Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical communication devices face challenges in reducing transmission loss and improving design flexibility due to deviations between lenses and optical waveguides, particularly in high-speed networks where precise alignment is critical for minimizing signal loss and ensuring reliable communication.

Innovation Solution

An optical path converting member is designed with a lens and optical path conversion mirror, where the lens is integrated within the mirror or positioned at its surfaces, enhancing precision and reducing connection losses. This member is integrated into a multilayer print circuit board and optical communication devices to concentrate and securely transmit optical signals, using materials with high transmittance and refractive index matching to minimize reflection losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a separate lens and optical path conversion mirror are used, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to deviations between components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lens and optical path conversion mirror into a single integrated component. The lens is formed directly on the optical path conversion mirror, eliminating the need for separate mounting and alignment of two distinct components. This integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing flexibility while significantly improving alignment precision, as the lens and mirror are inherently aligned through the integration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If lens and mirror are integrated, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical path conversion device into two main functional parts: the optical path conversion mirror and the integrated lens. By forming the lens directly on the mirror surface, the design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining precise alignment. The segmentation approach allows for optimized manufacturing processes and reduces the complexity of assembly and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If precise alignment is achieved through integration, then transmission loss is reduced, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission lossVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the lens on the optical path conversion mirror during the manufacturing process. This ensures that the lens and mirror are precisely aligned before the device is assembled and deployed. The preliminary formation of the lens eliminates the need for complex post-assembly alignment procedures, thereby reducing transmission loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively reduces transmission loss and improves design flexibility by ensuring precise alignment and secure optical signal transmission, allowing for shorter optical waveguides and extended device lifespan, while enabling the use of low-sensitivity light receiving devices.

Implementation Method 1

a lens; and an optical path conversion mirror having an entrance surface, an exit surface and a reflection surface, wherein the lens is provided at least one position selected from the entrance surface, the exit surface, and inside of the optical path conversion mirror

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an optical path conversion mirror having an entrance surface, an exit surface and a reflection surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7801398B2Optical path converting member, multilayer print circuit board, and device for optical communication

Publication Date: 2010.09.21 IBIDEN CO LTD

AI summary

A device for optical communication comprising;at least a conductor circuit and an insulating layer formed and laminated,an optical circuit and an optical path for transmitting an optical signal; andan optical element or a package substrate on which an optical element is mounted,whereinan optical path converting member is disposed at the optical path for transmitting an optical signal so as to transmit an optical signal between the optical element and the optical circuit,the optical path converting member comprises a lens and an optical path conversion mirror having an entrance surface, an exit surface and a reflection surface, andthe lens is provided at least one position selected from the entrance surface, the exit surface, and inside of the optical path conversion mirror.