Optical Connector Path Adjusting Unit Mitigates Coupling Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical connectors with small core diameters suffer significant coupling loss due to axis deviation, leading to increased costs and precision requirements to maintain transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector with an optical path adjusting unit that reduces the diameter of incident light while maintaining the incident angle, combined with a lens to collect and direct light to a receiver, mitigates coupling loss by decreasing the focal distance and distance between the lens and optical fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the core diameter of the optical fiber is reduced to decrease the device size, then the device becomes more compact, but the coupling loss increases significantly due to axis deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector is divided into two separate connectors (transmission side and reception side), each equipped with its own lens. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each connector's optical path, reducing the impact of axis deviation on coupling loss while maintaining compact fiber core dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
A lens is introduced as an intermediary element between the optical fiber and the transmission space. The lens collimates light from the fiber core and transmits it as parallel light, creating a larger effective coupling area that is less sensitive to axis deviation, thereby reducing coupling loss in compact devices.
2Loss of energy
If the focal distance of the lens is decreased to reduce coupling loss, then the coupling efficiency improves, but the distance between the lens and the optical fiber becomes shorter requiring higher manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector design allows for adjustable focal distances of the lens. By optimizing the focal distance to match the specific application requirements, the system achieves high coupling efficiency without requiring excessively short distances that would demand ultra-high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including the focal distance of the lens, the core diameter of the optical fiber, and the distance between the lens and fiber. By carefully selecting and coordinating these parameters, the system achieves low coupling loss with practical, achievable manufacturing precision levels.
3Productivity
If the distance between the lens and the optical fiber is reduced to mitigate coupling loss, then the transmission efficiency improves, but the alignment tolerance decreases making the system more sensitive to axis deviation
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the transmission and reception functions into distinct connectors, each with its own lens, the system achieves high transmission efficiency through optimized short distances while the segmentation itself provides tolerance to alignment errors, as each side can be independently aligned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs identical lens structures on both transmission and reception sides. This copying approach ensures that both sides are optimized for the same focal distance and alignment characteristics, maximizing transmission efficiency while maintaining consistent alignment tolerance across the connection.
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
Significantly reduces coupling loss of optical power on the reception side due to axis deviation, enhancing transmission quality and reducing costs by allowing for less precise alignment and increased resistance to dust interference.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path adjusting unit that adjusts an optical path such that a diameter of incident light is reduced while an incident angle is kept
Implementation Method 2
a lens that collects light whose optical path has been adjusted by the optical path adjusting unit, and causes the light to be incident on a light receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The coupling loss of optical power on a reception side due to an axis deviation on a transmission side is satisfactorily mitigated. A connector body including an optical path adjusting unit and a lens is provided. The optical path adjusting unit adjusts an optical path such that the diameter of incident light is reduced while the incident angle is kept. The lens collects light whose optical path has been adjusted, and causes the light to be incident on a light receiver. For example, light incident on the optical path adjusting unit is collimated light. Furthermore, for example, the optical path adjusting unit has a through hole in a central portion. While the incident angle of light to the light receiver satisfies an NA, the focal distance of the lens is decreased. This can mitigate the coupling loss of optical power on a reception side due to an axis deviation on a transmission side.