Optical Assembly Passive Alignment via Reflection Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems for short-range connections are inefficient due to the need for precise alignment and exposure of optical fibers, leading to contamination and reduced coupling efficiency, making them costly and difficult to mass-produce.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical assembly with a body and cover assembly that includes a reflection prism and lenses for optical coupling, allowing for passive alignment without expensive equipment, using a cover post and second lens to protect and align the optical fiber, reducing contamination and alignment errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are exposed for alignment and coupling, then optical coupling efficiency can be achieved, but contamination occurs and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a protective cover structure that encloses the optical fiber and optical components, creating a sealed environment that prevents contamination while maintaining optical coupling efficiency. The cover acts as a barrier between the optical components and the external environment.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment mechanisms are used for optical coupling, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-aligning features such as positioning protrusions and recesses that automatically align the optical fiber with the optical components during assembly, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are pre-positioned and fixed in the housing at predetermined locations before final assembly, establishing the optical alignment in advance and simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used for light redirection, then optical transmission functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components including lenses, prisms, and the optical fiber into a single compact housing structure, combining their functions into one unified assembly that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full optical transmission capability.
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
This solution enables high-capacity optical transmission with simplified and cost-effective assembly, minimizing optical coupling loss and contamination, and facilitating mass production of optical transceivers with improved reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection prism configured to change a traveling direction of light traveling in a first direction in a Cartesian coordinate system to a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a first lens disposed between at least one optical element and the reflection prism to optically couple the at least one optical element with the reflection prism
Implementation Method 3
a second lens configured to be disposed on one surface of the cover post so as to optically couple the reflection prism with an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical assembly for high speed optical communications by combining a cover assembly including a lens and a cover post with a body assembly including a lens, reflection prism and body hole, which takes only a few passive optical alignments for providing aligned optical elements that have required multiple complex and sophisticated processes.