Optical Element Module Lens Holder Design for Welding Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical element modules, the straight pipe-shaped lens holders used for housing optical modulation elements face challenges in securing optical axis mobility during adjustment welding while maintaining holding ability, leading to reduced optical performance due to thermal deformation and increased welding energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
The optical element module employs a lens holder with a reduced outer diameter at the joining place to the housing, allowing for increased optical axis mobility during adjustment while maintaining holding ability, achieved by using a stepped pipe shape or other configurations with a smaller diameter at the joining interface, and employing multiple laser welding points to balance stresses and minimize positional deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a straight pipe-shaped lens holder with large outer diameter is used, then the holding ability of the lens holder is improved, but the optical axis mobility during adjustment welding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder is designed with non-uniform diameter along its length: the upper portion (lens holding part) has a large outer diameter for secure lens holding, while the lower portion (joining place) has a small outer diameter for improved optical axis mobility during welding. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between holding ability and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens holder is segmented into distinct functional zones with different diameters: an upper lens holding section with large diameter for secure mounting, and a lower joining section with small diameter for ease of optical axis adjustment. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function independently.
2Strength
If a straight pipe-shaped lens holder with large outer diameter is used, then the holding ability is improved, but the welding energy required for adjustment is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder features localized diameter variation where the joining place has a small outer diameter that reduces the moment of inertia and allows for more efficient optical axis adjustment with lower welding energy, while the upper portion maintains large diameter for secure lens holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer diameter parameter of the lens holder is changed along its length, being small at the joining place to reduce welding energy requirements for adjustment and large at the lens holding part to maintain holding ability. This parameter variation optimizes the balance between energy efficiency and functional performance.
3Strength
If welding is performed to join the lens holder and housing, then the components are securely joined, but thermal deformation causes optical axis deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder is designed with a small outer diameter at the joining place, which concentrates the welding heat and reduces the overall thermal deformation of the structure. This localized geometric feature helps maintain optical axis alignment while still achieving secure joining through laser welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The small outer diameter at the joining place, which might seem to reduce structural strength, actually benefits the optical alignment by reducing thermal deformation during welding. The design converts the potential weakness of a narrow joining section into a strength by minimizing heat-affected zone deformation.
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 configuration enhances optical axis mobility during welding, reduces assembly time, minimizes internal stress, and improves the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the optical element module by allowing for precise optical axis adjustment with reduced welding energy.
Implementation Method 1
configured by joining the housing and the lens holder together by welding
Implementation Method 2
performing welding by irradiation with a YAG laser
Implementation Method 3
a lens holder which holds a lens which is disposed between the optical modulation element and an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element module includes an optical modulation element having first and second optical modulator units, a polarization combining means for combining two modulated lights which are emitted from the first and second optical modulator units, by making planes of polarization orthogonally cross each other; a housing which houses the optical modulation element and the polarization combining means; and a lens holder which holds a collimating lens which is disposed between the polarization combining means and an optical fiber, with the lens holder further holding the optical fiber. The optical element module is configured by joining the housing and the lens holder together by welding. In the lens holder, an outer diameter of a welding place is smaller than an outer diameter of a part which holds the collimating lens.