Optical Device Elastic Coupling Member Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of optical devices often results in degradation of optical performance due to the high load applied during press-fitting, which causes distortion in the optical fiber and optical element, especially with increasing tolerance between the ferrule and the holder.
Innovation Solution
An optical device design that includes a light guide member, a first holding member, a second holding member, and an optically coupled member that is elastically deformed to reduce the load during assembly, using a spring material for the optically coupled member to align and couple the optical fiber and optical element with a smaller tightening force, thereby preventing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If press-fitting is used to fix the ferrule to the holder, then the fixing strength increases, but the optical fiber and optical element are distorted due to large axial load
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fixing mechanism into two independent parts: a groove formed on the holder and a protrusion formed on the ferrule. This segmentation allows the ferrule to be fixed to the holder through radial engagement in the groove rather than axial press-fitting, eliminating the harmful axial load while maintaining fixing strength.
2Strength
If the inside diameter of the holder is made smaller than the outside diameter of the ferrule for press-fitting, then the fixing strength increases, but the assembly load increases with increasing tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into a groove structure on the holder and a protrusion structure on the ferrule. This allows the holder's inside diameter to be larger than the ferrule's outside diameter, eliminating the need for high assembly load while maintaining secure fixing through the groove-protrusion engagement.
3Strength
If YAG welding or adhesive is used to fix the ferrule to the holder, then the fixing strength increases as the gap decreases, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a mechanical groove-protrusion segmentation system that eliminates the need for YAG welding or adhesive bonding. The groove is formed directly on the holder and the protrusion on the ferrule, allowing simple mechanical assembly without complex welding or adhesive processes, while achieving sufficient fixing strength.
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 elastic deformation of the optically coupled member reduces the assembly load, preventing distortion and maintaining optical performance while allowing for easier assembly and reduced processing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optically coupled member elastically deformed by an end portion of the first holding member and an end portion of the second holding member being inserted to optically couple the light guide member and the optical element by being elastically deformed
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes, for example, an optical fiber that guides light, a first holding member that holds the optical fiber, an optical element that functions by the light guided by the optical fiber being irradiated, and a second holding member that holds the optical element. The optical device further includes an optically coupled member elastically deformed by one end portion of the first holding member and one end portion of the second holding member being inserted to optically couple the optical fiber and the optical element by being elastically deformed.