Laser Diode Test Fixture With Latching Pressing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test fixtures for edge-emitting laser diodes fail to provide precise positioning and sufficient electrical contact, and are prone to damaging fragile laser diodes due to complex clamping mechanisms and insufficient force from fine pitch spring pins.
Innovation Solution
A fixture assembly with a base, upper cover, and latching mechanism that securely clamps the laser diodes using a pressing member and abutting block to ensure accurate positioning and electrical contact, while protecting the diodes from external damage through a universal coupling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fine pitch spring pins are used for electrical contact, then the connection size is reduced, but the thermal contact force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture separates the electrical contact function (spring pins) from the thermal contact function (pressing member), allowing each to be optimized independently. The pressing member provides dedicated thermal contact force through the abutting block, while spring pins handle electrical contact without needing to provide sufficient thermal pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting block acts as an intermediary between the pressing member and the laser diode. It transmits the pressing force from the pressing member to the laser diode's active surface, ensuring sufficient thermal contact force is applied to the critical testing area without requiring the spring pins to provide this force.
2Reliability
If manual clamping mechanisms are used, then the component can be held securely, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism transforms the static clamping structure into a dynamic system that can be easily switched between locked and unlocked states. The latch member engages with the latch post to secure the upper cover to the base, providing reliable clamping through a simple latching action rather than complex manual adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the laser diode is handled externally, then the testing process is accessible, but the risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser diode is nested within the fixture assembly, specifically positioned in the pocket of the base and secured by the upper cover. This nested structure protects the fragile laser diode from external handling damage while allowing the testing apparatus to access the beam emissions through the transmission cavity and detect light emissions through the opening in the upper cover.
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 fixture assembly ensures reliable and repeatable testing with precise positioning and sufficient electrical contact, reduces the risk of diode damage, and allows for efficient thermal and optical testing, including burn-in tests, while being compatible with various equipment and processes.
Implementation Method 1
the pressing member is a compression spring arranged in the through hole in between the locking portion and the stop
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture assembly having a base, an upper cover and a latch mechanism for testing an edge-emitting laser diode and a testing apparatus having the same are provided. The base includes a pocket, and a transmission cavity in communication with and orthogonal to the pocket. The upper cover includes a body, an abutting block and a pressing member. The abutting block having an electrical contact interface is engageable with the body for slidable movement with respect to the body. The latch mechanism is disposed on the upper cover, and may selectively connect or disconnect the upper cover to or from the base. When the latch mechanism is operated to connect the upper cover to the base, the pressing member applies a force through the abutting block on the edge-emitting laser diode received in the pocket, and the edge-emitting laser diode emits the laser for inspection through the transmission cavity.