Laser Diode Test Fixture With Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test fixtures for surface emitting laser diodes fail to provide precise positioning and sufficient electrical contact, and are prone to damaging fragile laser diodes due to inadequate handling and complex clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fixture assembly with a base, upper cover, and latching mechanism that securely clamps the laser diodes, ensuring accurate positioning and electrical contact through a through cavity, while protecting the diodes from external damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fine pitch spring pins are used to contact the laser diode pads, then the connection size is reduced, but the thermal contact force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal compression plate is introduced as an intermediary between the spring pins and the laser diode pads. The plate distributes and amplifies the contact force from multiple spring pins to ensure sufficient thermal contact pressure on the pads, resolving the contradiction between reduced connection size and insufficient thermal contact force.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fixture structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is segmented into distinct functional modules: a base structure for positioning, a separate thermal compression mechanism with compression plates, and a latching mechanism. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured independently with standard processes while maintaining high positioning precision through the modular assembly of these simple components.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of unpackaged laser diodes is performed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture design enables self-service handling where the laser diode is placed into the fixture's pocket structure and automatically secured by the latching mechanism. The device itself provides the protection and positioning without requiring delicate manual operations, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving reliability by preventing handling damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture assembly for testing a surface emitting laser diode and a testing apparatus having the same are provided. The fixture assembly comprises a base, an upper cover and a latch mechanism. The base includes at least one pocket, and at least one electrical contact interface disposed in the pocket. The upper cover includes a body, an abutting block and a pressing member disposed in the body. The abutting block is engageable with the body for slidable movement with respect to the body. The latch mechanism is disposed on the base and the upper cover, and is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the base to or from the upper cover. When the latch mechanism is operated to connect the base to the upper cover, the pocket and an opening of the abutting block form into a through cavity through which the laser diode emits the laser beam.