Alignment Jig for Optical Lens Array with Pushing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment jigs for optical lens arrays are inadequate for precise alignment of small and thin fiber plugs with lens sockets, leading to potential misalignment and light loss due to mechanical displacement tolerance and material differences, especially in array lens configurations where fiber positioning is parallel to the optical alignment plane.
Innovation Solution
An alignment jig with a support arm, pick-up mechanism, and pushing mechanism is mounted on an optical alignment apparatus, utilizing vacuum power and spring or magnetic forces to securely engage and align fiber plugs with lens sockets, ensuring tight and precise contact to prevent oblique engagement and light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional alignment jig is used for small and thin fiber plugs, then the structure is simple, but the holding and attachment between fiber plug and lens member is questionable leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment jig is divided into multiple functional modules: a holding mechanism for the lens member, a positioning mechanism for the fiber plug, and an alignment mechanism with adjustable components. Each module independently performs its specific function, allowing precise alignment while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary alignment mechanism is introduced between the fiber plug and lens member, featuring adjustable positioning components that mediate the connection and ensure precise alignment while accommodating the small dimensions of both parts
2Reliability
If internal elasticity of optical fiber is used for attachment, then no additional jig is needed, but the attachment is insufficient for parallel positioning configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment jig is designed with universal adaptability to handle both perpendicular and parallel positioning configurations. The adjustable positioning mechanism can accommodate different fiber plug orientations, making the same device versatile for various attachment scenarios beyond relying solely on fiber elasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The jig performs preliminary positioning and alignment of the fiber plug relative to the lens member before final attachment. This preliminary action ensures correct orientation and reduces stress on the fiber, enabling reliable attachment in parallel configurations where elasticity alone would be insufficient
3Productivity
If automatic passive array lens alignment machine is used, then alignment can be performed, but mechanical displacement tolerance and CCD imaging bias cause a-μm scale misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment mechanism incorporates feedback through adjustable positioning components that allow real-time correction of alignment errors. The mechanism can detect and compensate for mechanical displacement tolerance and CCD imaging bias, achieving sub-micron precision while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment jig features dynamic adjustable components that can be modified during the alignment process. This dynamic adjustability allows compensation for mechanical tolerances and imaging biases, achieving high precision alignment while maintaining automated productivity
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 alignment jig enhances optical alignment quality by ensuring seamless engagement between fiber plugs and lens sockets, optimizing optical alignment rates and reducing light loss, while being cost-effective and adaptable for various optical pathway configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source (46), for providing a vacuum power
Implementation Method 2
The at least one pivot hole (451) is pivotally connected respectively with at least one pivot shaft (421) at either the holder set (43) or the main body (42) so as to have the spring plate (45) to undergo a pivotal motion around the at least one pivot shaft (421)
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic set, having two magnetic members (61, 65) magnetically to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment jig for an optical lens array is furnished on an optical alignment apparatus. The alignment machine is for performing active optical alignment operations of a sensor chip located on a circuit board and a lens socket plugged with a fiber plug. The alignment jig includes a support arm, a pick-up mechanism and a pushing mechanism. The support arm is fixed to the optical alignment apparatus for supporting the alignment jig. The pick-up mechanism is furnished on the support arm for picking-up and holding the lens socket in a detachable manner at a predetermined position corresponding to the sensor chip. The pushing mechanism holds the plugging status when the fiber plug is plugged into the lens socket and provides a pushing force, such that the fiber plug has a tendency to be pushed toward and engage the lens socket tightly.