Optical Module Adhesive Inflow Prevention Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical modules, the adhesive used to mount the lens module on the substrate can flow into the optical path, obstructing the coupling between the optical fiber and the optical element, especially as modules become thinner, making it difficult to control the adhesive's spread and preventing stable optical coupling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inflow prevention structure, such as a groove, recessed portion, wall, or guide groove, between the substrate and the lens module, and between the lens and the adhesive, to prevent adhesive flow into the optical axis, ensuring stable optical coupling by securing the adhesive in place without obstructing the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the module thickness is reduced to make the optical module thinner, then the compactness is improved, but the adhesive spread becomes difficult to control and may flow into the optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adhesive application area into separate regions using barriers. The adhesive is segmented into controlled zones that prevent it from flowing into the optical path while maintaining secure bonding between the lens module and substrate, thus resolving the contradiction between thin module design and reliable optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces barriers as intermediary structures between the adhesive and the optical path. These barriers act as mediators that allow the adhesive to fulfill its bonding function while preventing it from obstructing the optical coupling, enabling thin module design without compromising optical stability.
2Strength
If adhesive is introduced into the gap between substrate and lens module, then the bonding strength is improved, but the adhesive may flow into the optical axis and obstruct the optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful flowing motion of the adhesive by introducing barriers that confine the adhesive to specific regions. This separates the beneficial bonding function from the harmful flow into the optical path, allowing strong bonding without optical obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of adhesive flow into a benefit by using the adhesive's natural spreading tendency to fill controlled regions defined by barriers. The adhesive flows are redirected to serve the bonding function while being prevented from reaching the optical path, thus converting a harmful effect into a useful one.
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 inflow prevention structure effectively prevents adhesive from reaching the optical axis, allowing for stable optical coupling between the optical fiber and the optical element, even in thin modules, by securely attaching the lens module to the substrate while maintaining a clear optical path.
Implementation Method 1
converts light emitted from the optical fiber in a horizontal direction into light propagated in a vertical direction using a lens component
Implementation Method 2
attached to the substrate with an adhesive introduced into a gap between the inner surface and the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a substrate, an optical element, and a lens module. The optical element is mounted on the substrate. The lens module includes an outer surface and an inner surface facing each other and a lens provided on the inner surface so as to be optically coupled to the optical element and optically couples an optical fiber with the optical element through the lens. The lens module is mounted on the substrate such that the inner surface faces the substrate and is attached to the substrate with an adhesive introduced into a gap between the inner surface and the substrate. The optical module is provided with an inflow prevention structure that prevents inflow of the adhesive to an optical axis of the lens between the substrate and the lens module and between the lens and the adhesive.