Optical Connector With Reflection Surface For 90-Degree Signal Turn
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active optical cables face challenges in effectively coupling optical fiber endpieces to optoelectronic elements like laser diodes and photo diodes, leading to signal loss due to misalignment and mechanical robustness issues, especially when a 90° optical turn is required for proper signal propagation.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a layered optical stack and a coupling adapter piece that includes a reflection surface, allowing for efficient light propagation normal to the circuit board and enabling an optical turn between 60° and 90°, ensuring precise alignment and robust mechanical connection between fiber endpieces and optoelectronic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a 90° optical turn is implemented to enable proper signal propagation between fiber endpieces and optoelectronic elements, then coupling efficiency is improved, but alignment precision and mechanical robustness become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third vertical dimension by stacking optical components (lens, beam splitter, waveguide) vertically rather than arranging them horizontally. This vertical stacking enables the 90° optical turn while maintaining alignment precision through standardized layer heights and vertical positioning, resolving the contradiction between achieving signal propagation efficiency and maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate optical components (lens, beam splitter, waveguide) that mediate the light path between the fiber endpiece and optoelectronic elements. These intermediaries enable the 90° optical turn through controlled refraction and reflection, achieving high coupling efficiency while allowing for precise alignment through standardized component interfaces.
2Loss of energy
If a 90° optical turn is implemented for proper signal propagation, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (focusing, beam splitting, waveguiding, and 90° turning) into a single integrated stacked structure. By combining these functions vertically in one compact assembly, the device achieves high coupling efficiency while actually reducing overall complexity compared to using separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking of optical components in the third dimension enables the 90° optical turn within a compact footprint, avoiding the need for complex lateral arrangements of multiple components. This dimensional reorganization simplifies the overall device structure while achieving the required optical functionality.
3Loss of energy
If individual alignment of fiber endpieces to optoelectronic elements is performed to minimize signal loss, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment by pre-positioning the lens, beam splitter, and waveguide in fixed vertical relationships during manufacturing. This preliminary structuring enables rapid assembly without requiring complex real-time alignment procedures, thereby maintaining high coupling efficiency while improving manufacturing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into standardized modular layers (fiber interface layer, lens layer, beam splitter layer, waveguide layer, optoelectronic layer) that can be manufactured and aligned independently then assembled. This segmentation enables efficient manufacturing through modular assembly while ensuring precise alignment through standardized interfaces between layers.
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 achieves high coupling efficiency with minimal signal losses and a mechanically robust design, enabling efficient data transmission while reducing manufacturing costs through wafer-level production techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The connector device comprises at least one reflection surface for changing a propagation direction of electromagnetic radiation between the first propagation direction and the second propagation direction
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device for connecting optical fiber endpieces comprising an optoelectronic chip, a fiber end piece holder and a reflection surface. The chip is oriented for emitting and/or detecting optical signals along a first propagation direction normal to a circuit board. The reflection surface changes a propagation direction of optical signals from the first propagation direction to a different, second propagation direction and/or vice versa. The connector device comprises a layered optical stack mounted to the circuit board and designed for propagation of optical signals along the first propagation direction. The connector device further comprises a coupling adapter piece mounted to the layered optical stack that holds and/or secures the fiber end piece holder in an orientation enabling propagation of signals radiation along the second propagation direction. The reflection surface for changing between both propagation directions is comprised in the coupling adapter piece.