Modular Optical Assembly with Commonly-Shaped Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Most photonic integrated circuits have fixed functionality, limiting their use to specific applications and preventing integration into other circuits, thus restricting their versatility in various systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly comprising a base with multiple optical modules, each housing an active or passive photonic integrated circuit, with conductive traces and optical communication openings aligned for side-by-side or stacked configurations, allowing for modular integration of diverse photonic devices such as sources, filters, multiplexers, and waveguides, and manufactured using photocured polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photonic integrated circuits are designed for specific applications, then their functionality is optimized for that application, but their adaptability to other systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base structure with standardized mating features that can accommodate multiple types of photonic integrated circuits. The base includes a body defining a base mating feature surface, and optical modules with housings that have module mating feature surfaces compatible with the base. This standardized interface allows different photonic devices (sources, filters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, etc.) to be integrated into the same platform, enabling one system to perform multiple functions across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the photonic system into modular components: a base structure and multiple interchangeable optical modules. Each module contains a housing with standardized mating features that interface with the base. This segmentation allows individual modules to be designed for specific functions while the overall system maintains versatility through the modular architecture, resolving the contradiction between specialized functionality and general adaptability.
2Device complexity
If photonic integrated circuits are designed with fixed functionality, then their design is simplified for specific uses, but their integration into other circuits is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure serves as a universal platform that can integrate multiple types of photonic circuits with different functionalities. The standardized mating features (base mating feature surface and module mating feature surface) create a universal interface that simplifies the design of individual modules while enabling their integration into various circuit configurations. This allows fixed-function modules to be combined in different arrangements to create versatile systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into standardized modules with fixed functionalities, the patent simplifies individual module design while the modular architecture enables flexible integration. Each module can be independently designed for a specific function, then integrated into different circuit configurations by connecting to the universal base, thus maintaining both design simplicity and integration flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If optical modules use commonly-shaped housings with aligned optical communication openings, then their modular integration is enhanced, but their manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commonly-shaped housings with standardized optical communication openings that can be used across multiple module types. This universal housing design simplifies manufacturing by using the same basic component for different functions, while the modular integration is enhanced through standardized mating features that ensure proper alignment when modules are assembled on the base.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall housing shape is standardized for ease of manufacture and modular integration, the patent allows for local variations in the housings to accommodate specific optical devices. The commonly-shaped housing provides the standardized interface, while local modifications can be made to suit different photonic components without affecting the overall modular architecture.
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
Enables the creation of modular optical assemblies with multi-function capabilities, enhancing their versatility and adaptability for use in various applications beyond their initial design, such as fiber-optic communication systems and photonic computing.
Implementation Method 1
The housing may comprise a photocured polymer
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly may include a base having a body defining a base mating feature surface. Optical modules are arranged in side-by-side relation on the base and in optical communication with each other. Each optical module includes a housing that is commonly-shaped with other housings. Each housing has a bottom wall defining a module mating feature surface coupled with a respective area of the base mating feature surface and at least one sidewall with an optical communication opening aligned with the at least one optical communication opening of an adjacent housing. A respective optical device is within each housing.