Integrated Lens with Multiple Optical Surfaces for Signal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical coupling and connecting devices in optical modules are complex and costly due to the use of multiple individual lenses, which complicates the installation and production process.
Innovation Solution
An integrated lens with multiple optical surfaces and a fiber adapter, featuring a convex first lens, a planar second lens, and a sloped third optical surface, optimized for injection molding, which simplifies the light path and reduces production costs by eliminating the need for separate lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual optical lenses are used for optical coupling and connecting, then optical signal transmission can be achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual optical lenses into a single integrated lens assembly that includes a first lens, second lens, and third lens with different optical powers. This merging approach maintains the optical signal transmission function while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting, alignment, and housing for multiple discrete lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lens assembly serves multiple optical functions simultaneously - the first lens performs one optical function, the second lens performs another, and the third lens performs a third function. This multi-functionality within a single integrated structure allows the system to achieve complex optical coupling and connecting tasks without requiring multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple individual optical lenses are used for optical coupling and connecting, then optical signal transmission can be achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical lenses into a single integrated lens assembly, the patent reduces production costs through economies of scale in manufacturing, simplified assembly processes, and reduced inventory requirements. The integrated structure can be produced as a single unit or pre-assembled module, eliminating the need for costly precision alignment and mounting operations required for multiple discrete lenses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual optical lenses are used, then optical coupling function is achieved, but installation and production process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple lenses into a single assembly dramatically simplifies the installation and production process. Instead of handling, mounting, and aligning multiple separate lenses, the integrated lens assembly can be installed as a single unit, reducing installation time, labor requirements, and the complexity of production workflows while maintaining full optical coupling functionality.
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 integrated lens design enhances reflection efficiency, reduces production costs, and allows for compact, efficient optical signal transmission and reception with minimal losses, suitable for both optical transmitters and receivers.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens, generally convex, positioned above an optoelectronic transmitting or receiving device
Implementation Method 2
The second lens may be concave or convex
Implementation Method 3
The fiber adapter and a first optical surface (e.g., a mirror or other reflective surface) of the integrated lens face each other along an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated lens with integrated functional optical surfaces for use in optical communication is disclosed. The integrated lens includes first and second cavities and a fiber adapter. The device also includes integrated first and second lenses. The first cavity houses one or more optical transmitting and/or receiving devices. The second cavity has a first optical surface and an optional second optical surface. The fiber adapter has the second lens. The integrated lens enables a small size, a light weight, high coupling and a high transmission efficiency, and can be produced by injection molding using a single mold. The integrated lens is applicable to optical signal coupling, fiber connections, optical modules, and optical or optoelectronic communication.