Optical Connector Self-Alignment Guide Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connectors require expensive equipment and complex processes for precise alignment of optical fiber lines with light-emitting or light-receiving devices, limiting their ease of use and performance.
Innovation Solution
The optical connector features insertion grooves, guide-walls, and a reflection plate with adjustable supports, allowing for automatic alignment of optical fiber lines with devices without expensive equipment, and enabling easy adjustment of optical paths for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise device aligning methods using flip chip bonder or die bonder are used, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector achieves self-alignment through guide walls that automatically guide the optical device and optical fiber line into proper alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for expensive external alignment equipment and complex alignment processes
Solution Approach 2:
Guide walls are introduced as intermediary structures that mediate the alignment between the optical device and optical fiber line, providing a simple mechanical guidance mechanism that replaces complex alignment equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If expensive alignment equipment is used, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure itself provides the alignment function through integrated guide walls, making the system self-aligning without requiring external alignment equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The guide walls provide a simple, cost-effective alignment mechanism that replaces expensive alignment equipment, using basic mechanical structures instead of sophisticated alignment systems
3Device complexity
If fixed optical paths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector incorporates adjustable supports that allow the optical device to be positioned at different locations, enabling dynamic adjustment of optical paths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separable components including adjustable supports and guide walls, allowing the optical path to be adjusted by repositioning individual elements without redesigning the entire structure
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 allows for cost-effective and efficient alignment of optical fiber lines with devices, enhancing the performance of the optical connector by simplifying the assembly process and allowing for customizable optical paths.
Implementation Method 1
An optical connection is then established via reflection of light on angled end-faces of the optical fiber lines
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~4
Figure 5a~6a
AI summary
An optical connector is provided. The optical connector includes: an optical fiber line fixing block including an insertion groove in which an end portion of an optical fiber line is inserted; and a submount including first guide-walls determining a position of the optical fiber line fixing block and second guide-walls determining a position of an optical device to be connected to the optical fiber line, wherein the optical fiber line fixing block and the optical device are automatically aligned by the first guide-walls and the second guide-walls.