Optical Signal Transmission Module With Integrated Lens Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical signal transmission modules for endoscopes face challenges in efficiently transmitting high-pixel image signals from image pickup devices due to increased signal amounts, requiring effective optical signal transmission methods that avoid the use of metal wiring and minimize rigid length.
Innovation Solution
An optical signal transmission module with a light emitting device, an optical fiber, and a specially-shaped mounting substrate that integrates a light condensing portion and fixing mechanism, allowing for coaxial alignment and efficient light emission from a surface-emission-type laser diode directly onto the optical fiber, eliminating the need for separate ferrules and reducing rigid length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If optical signal transmission is implemented using conventional ferrule-based connections, then reliable optical signal transmission is achieved, but the rigid length increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ferrule structure and the mounting substrate into a single integrated mounting substrate. The through hole for optical fiber insertion and the mounting portion for the light emitting device are formed integrally on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate ferrules and reducing the overall rigid length while maintaining reliable optical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mounts the light emitting device, positions the optical fiber through the through hole, and provides the structural basis for optical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall structure
2Manufacturing precision
If separate ferrules are used for optical fiber connection, then precise alignment is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function previously provided by separate ferrules is now integrated into the mounting substrate itself. The through hole and mounting portion are positioned with precise relative relationships during substrate fabrication, achieving the same alignment precision with a simpler single-piece structure
Solution Approach 2:
The through hole and mounting portion are pre-positioned on the mounting substrate with the correct spatial relationship before assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment during assembly without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or separate alignment components
3Reliability
If conventional optical connection methods are used, then reliable light transmission is achieved, but the number of components and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (ferrule, mounting structure, positioning features) are merged into a single mounting substrate that can be manufactured as one piece using standard PCB or ceramic substrate fabrication techniques, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting substrate is designed with distinct functional zones (mounting portion, through hole, light incident surface) that can be independently optimized during manufacturing while being produced as a single integrated component, balancing manufacturing ease with performance requirements
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 enables accurate and efficient optical signal transmission with reduced rigid length, allowing for increased pixel density in endoscopes by ensuring precise alignment and direct light incidence onto the optical fiber, thus enhancing image transmission without additional optical devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber configured to transmit the optical signal caused to be incident via a light condensing portion for condensing the light emitted from the light emitting device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical signal transmission module is provided, in which a lens surface for condensing light emitted from an LD configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical signal and emit light of the optical signal is integrally formed on an end portion of an optical fiber, a mounting substrate for the LD to be mounted is configured with a specially-shaped substrate, and a fixing portion (a fixing hole portion) for the optical fiber to be fixed is integrally formed on the mounting substrate, at a position where the light emitted from the LD (the light of the optical signal) can be incident on the lens surface.