Optical Communication Module Resilient Latch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges in accurately and cost-effectively aligning optical fibers with opto-electronic elements, as active and visual alignment methods are tedious and costly, while passive alignment techniques escalate part costs with increased accuracy requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication module with a fiber submount featuring resiliently biased latch portions and an optics assembly, where the fiber submount has V-shaped grooves for precise alignment and a resiliently biased latch mechanism to maintain optical alignment with optics elements, reducing system complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active alignment or visual alignment methods are used to achieve accurate optical alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but system complexity and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-alignment through a latch mechanism where the fiber submount automatically engages with the optics assembly when inserted into the housing. The resilient latch portion deflects during insertion and secures the components in the correct position without requiring external alignment equipment or complex control systems, thereby achieving accurate optical alignment while minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber submount is pre-configured with a resilient latch portion that is designed to automatically engage with the optics assembly during the insertion process. This preliminary design of the latching feature ensures that alignment is established before final assembly completion, eliminating the need for post-assembly alignment adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If passive alignment techniques with high accuracy features are used, then alignment precision is improved, but part costs escalate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the latch portion from a rigid structure to a resilient structure. This allows the fiber submount to accommodate minor variations in component dimensions while maintaining accurate optical alignment, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring expensive high-precision machining of all components
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient latch portion acts as a cushioning element that compensates for dimensional tolerances in the fiber submount and optics assembly. By designing the latch to be resilient rather than rigid, the system absorbs manufacturing variations before they affect alignment precision, reducing the need for expensive tight-tolerance components
3Stability of the object's composition
If resiliently biased latch mechanism is used to maintain optical alignment, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function and the retention function into a single integrated latch mechanism. The resilient latch portion simultaneously establishes and maintains optical alignment while securing the fiber submount to the optics assembly, thereby improving alignment stability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the insertion motion itself. The resilient portion deflects during insertion and automatically secures the components in the aligned position, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms or complex control systems to maintain alignment stability
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 module achieves accurate and cost-effective optical alignment of optical fibers with optics elements, reducing system and equipment investment while maintaining precise positional control, thereby enhancing the efficiency and throughput of optical communication.
Implementation Method 1
The resiliently biased latch portion of the fiber submount provides a resilient retaining force between the optics assembly and the fiber submount. The force retains the optics element in optical alignment with the fiber optical axis.
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical communication module, a fiber submount is mated with an optics assembly to optically align an optical fiber retained in a groove in the fiber submount with an optics element of the optics assembly. The fiber submount has a resiliently biased latch portion that engages the optics assembly to provide a resilient retaining force between the optics assembly and the fiber submount. The force retains the optics element in optical alignment with the fiber optical axis.