Laser Apparatus Upward Terminal Units Compact Footprint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor laser modules have a bar-like electrode that projects out of the package casing, leading to increased footprint and difficulty in space-saving when multiple modules are arranged, which is a challenge for applications requiring higher output power and compactness.

Innovation Solution

A laser apparatus with a semiconductor laser element mounted on a bottom plate and terminal units facing upward for external electrical connection, allowing for a compact design by eliminating the need for horizontal space allocation for terminal units, and a light source apparatus with multiple such laser apparatuses mounted on a base member to increase output power while reducing footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bar-like electrode projects out of the package casing, then external electrical connection is enabled, but the footprint increases and space-saving becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal electrical connectionVSAvoidfootprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal unit is reoriented from a horizontal projection (bar-like electrode extending outward) to a vertical orientation (facing upward). This dimensional change allows electrical connection while eliminating lateral space occupation, directly resolving the footprint issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If multiple semiconductor laser modules are arranged to increase output power, then higher output power is achieved, but the footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidfootprint
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the terminal unit orientation to vertical, multiple modules can be arranged in a compact grid pattern without requiring additional lateral clearance for electrical connections, enabling higher output power with reduced footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal unit structure integrates the electrical connection function directly into the package casing topology, eliminating the need for separate external lead pins and reducing overall space requirements for multi-module arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a bar-like electrode is used, then external electrical connection is achieved, but lead pins and soldering are required increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal electrical connectionVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lead pins and soldering joints are extracted from the connection structure by replacing them with a terminal unit that provides direct electrical access through its upward-facing surface, simplifying the overall connection architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal unit serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, defines the package boundary, and enables simplified wiring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components like lead pins and simplifies the connection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10777965B2Laser apparatus and light source apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.09.15 FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US10777965B2 patent drawing
  • US10777965B2 patent drawing
  • US10777965B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a laser apparatus and a light source apparatus that can reduce the footprint and realize space-saving. The laser apparatus has a bottom plate; a semiconductor laser element mounted on the bottom plate; and a terminal unit that is provided so as to face upward with respect to the bottom plate and enables external electrical connection.