Monolithic Lens Array Fixture for Stable Fiber Optic Probe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic fixtures with elongate lenses are fragile, prone to damage, and may detach during installation and high-frequency alignment operations, with limited mounting areas leading to detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of lens arrays and fiber optic fixtures with a single, monolithic lens block and a bonding layer, where the lens array is 3D printed and attached to a fixture body, featuring block alignment structures for improved alignment and durability, and a bonding layer for enhanced attachment strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional elongate lenses are used in fiber optic fixtures, then the lenses can convey electromagnetic signals, but the lenses become fragile and prone to damage during installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate lenses into a single monolithic lens block structure. This integration eliminates the fragility associated with individual elongate lenses while maintaining the optical signal conveyance function. The monolithic block provides structural strength and resistance to damage during installation and high-frequency alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a monolithic lens block that integrates multiple lens functions within a single material structure. This composite approach creates a more robust optical component that resists damage while performing multiple optical functions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If conventional elongate lenses are used with small mounting areas, then the fixture design is compact, but the lenses inadvertently detach during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lenses into a single monolithic block that attaches to the fixture as one unit. This integration significantly improves attachment reliability by eliminating the risk of individual lenses detaching during high-frequency alignment operations, while the block itself maintains a compact footprint.
3Reliability
If conventional elongate lenses are used, then the lenses can be positioned for signal conveyance, but the lenses vibrate during high frequency alignment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple lenses into a single monolithic block, which eliminates vibrations during high-frequency alignment operations. The unified structure provides inherent positional stability while maintaining the ability to convey electromagnetic signals through its integrated lens elements.
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 solution provides increased robustness, reduced damage risk, and improved optical coupling, resulting in more reliable and cost-effective probe systems with lower replacement frequencies and simplified installation.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array configured to convey a plurality of electromagnetic signals between a plurality of fiber optic conduits of a fiber optic fixture and a plurality of optical devices of a device under test (DUT)
Data Source
AI summary
Lens arrays, fiber optic fixtures that include the lens arrays, probe systems that include the fiber optic fixtures, and methods of forming fiber optic fixtures are disclosed herein. The lens arrays are configured to convey a plurality of electromagnetic signals between a plurality of fiber optic conduits of a fiber optic fixture and a plurality of optical devices of a device under test (DUT). The lens arrays include a single lens block that defines a fixture-attached block side and a lensed block side. The fixture-attached block side is configured to face toward, and be operatively attached to, a fixture body of the fiber optic fixture. The lensed block side differs from the fixture-attached block side. The lens arrays also include a plurality of lenses defined on the lensed block side.