Optical Coupling Lens Unit with Thickened Holder for Alignment Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens units used to optically couple optical waveguides and optical fibers face mechanical strength issues due to thin holding portions, leading to deformation or damage during alignment, especially when gripping or suctioning thin substrates with large numerical apertures.
Innovation Solution
The lens unit design includes a holding portion with a thick portion along one side surface and optionally another side surface, with the thickness of the thick portion being greater than other portions, and may include inclined sections to enhance mechanical strength and prevent deformation during alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the holding portion is made thin to reduce size and improve optical coupling, then the device size is reduced and optical coupling is improved, but the mechanical strength decreases leading to deformation or damage during alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thick portion with thickness greater than that of other portions. This local quality variation allows the thick portion to provide enhanced mechanical strength and resistance to deformation during alignment, while other thinner portions maintain compact device size and optimal optical coupling characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If gripping force is increased to secure alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the thin holding portion deforms or breaks due to insufficient mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The thick portion of the holding portion is strategically positioned to provide localized mechanical reinforcement exactly where gripping forces are applied during alignment. This allows sufficient gripping force to be applied for accurate positioning without causing deformation or breakage, as the thick portion withstands the mechanical stress while maintaining positioning precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If suction force is increased to hold the lens unit, then alignment stability is improved, but the thin holding portion deforms due to excessive stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The thick portion distributes suction forces over a larger area, preventing stress concentration that would occur in thin portions. This localized thickness enhancement provides the necessary stress resistance to withstand suction forces applied during alignment while maintaining alignment stability, avoiding deformation of the holding portion.
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 enhanced mechanical strength of the lens unit prevents deformation and damage during alignment, ensuring accurate positioning and improved manufacturing yield by securing sufficient grip and suction force, thereby maintaining optical coupling integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a lens unit that optically couples an optical waveguide provided on a substrate and an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical strength of a lens that optically couples an optical waveguide and an optical fiber provided on a substrate is improved. A lens unit that optically couples an optical waveguide provided on a substrate and an optical fiber has a lens portion and a holding portion that holds the lens portion, and the holding portion has a thick portion, along one side surface that is not a surface through which an optical axis passes, in which a thickness measured in a direction of the optical axis is larger than a thickness of an other portion of the holding portion.