Optical Module Miniaturization via Cover Extension Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of optical modules with a pipe structure does not adequately meet the demand for miniaturization, as it requires a significant mounting area and inhibits the miniaturization of optical devices, particularly in applications like the quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) standard, where downsizing is necessary while maintaining protection of optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design incorporates a cover extension unit that protrudes from the package to adhere and fix optical fibers, allowing the optical waveguide chip to be mounted close to the package's inner wall, eliminating the need for tubular pipes and reducing the mounting space, thereby enabling further miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe structure is used to protect and guide optical fibers, then the optical fibers are protected and guided, but the mounting area is considerably reduced and miniaturization is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical fiber protection function from the tubular pipe structure and relocates it to the cover extension unit. The pipe structure is completely removed, and only the essential protection function remains, implemented through the cover extension unit that extends from the package cover to provide protection and guidance for the optical fibers while occupying minimal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional tubular pipe structure to a two-dimensional cover extension structure. The cover extension unit extends in the direction from the package toward the optical fiber pull-out direction, providing protection in the critical dimensions while minimizing the mounting area footprint.
2Reliability
If tubular pipes are used to hold and protect optical fibers, then the optical fibers are protected from disconnection, but the device complexity and mounting space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection function with the existing package cover structure. The cover extension unit is formed as an integral part of the cover, combining the cover's protective function with the fiber protection function into a single unified structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate pipe components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover extension unit serves multiple functions: it extends the cover protection to the fiber region, provides mechanical protection for the optical fibers, guides the fiber pull-out direction, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated pipe structures while achieving the same protection goals.
3Ease of operation
If a sufficient distance is secured along the optical fibers due to pipe structure, then the optical fibers are properly positioned, but the longitudinal miniaturization is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The cover extension unit is pre-formed as part of the cover structure, establishing the fiber positioning path and protection structure before fiber installation. This preliminary structuring ensures proper fiber positioning is achieved automatically during assembly, eliminating the need for additional longitudinal space that would be required for separate positioning mechanisms.
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 design achieves a more compact optical module by reducing the mounting space and simplifying the assembly process, allowing for a smaller form factor without compromising the protection of optical fibers, making it suitable for applications like the QSFP-DD standard.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber is adhered and fixed to a surface of the cover extension unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a pipe structure in which an optical fiber passes, miniaturization of the optical module in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is prevented. In the optical module according to the present invention, a holding structure of the optical fiber necessary to adopt the pipe structure is moved to a cover extension unit of the package. The optical fiber is adhered and fixed to the cover extension unit protruding from the cover body unit of the package to ensure protection of the optical fiber, and the optical waveguide chip is disposed to be closer to an inner wall of a side surface of the package. By disposing the optical waveguide chip to be close to the inner wall of the package as much as possible and reducing the mounting area in the package to the utmost, it is possible to realize miniaturization of the entire optical module.