Optical Module Filter Holder Slope Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules for bi-directional communication systems lack a mechanism to maintain the rotational angle of the filter holder with respect to the housing, leading to deviations in the wavelength splitting filter's angle, which degrades the splitting function and optical coupling efficiencies between the optical fiber and units.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates a filter holder with slopes that fit within the housing, ensuring the wavelength splitting filter maintains a precise angle relative to the optical axes of the transmitting and receiving units, preventing rotation and ensuring accurate alignment without the need for optical alignment during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the filter holder is made optionally rotatable without a rotational angle determination mechanism, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the filter angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter holder is designed with a self-aligning mechanism where the optical axis of the wavelength splitting filter automatically aligns with the optical axes of the optical units through the housing structure itself, without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms. The housing provides built-in reference surfaces that guide the filter holder into the correct angular position during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is pre-configured with integrated alignment features and reference surfaces during manufacturing, so that when the filter holder is installed, the angular relationship between the wavelength splitting filter and the optical units is automatically established. This preliminary structuring of the housing eliminates the need for post-assembly alignment adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If the filter holder is fixed with a rotational angle determination mechanism, then the manufacturing precision of the filter angle is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is merged into the housing structure itself, which serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support for the optical units and simultaneously providing the angular reference for the wavelength splitting filter. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a multi-functional component that not only mechanically supports the optical transmitting unit, optical receiving unit, and fiber securing unit, but also provides the angular reference system for aligning the wavelength splitting filter. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single structure, avoiding additional complexity.
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 configuration maintains the optimal angle of the wavelength splitting filter, enhancing the splitting function and optical coupling efficiencies, thereby improving the performance in distinguishing between different wavelengths and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength splitting filter reflects one of the first optical signal and the second optical signal, and transmits another of the first optical signal and the second optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module that communicates with a single optical fiber is disclosed. The optical module includes an optical transmitting unit (Tx unit), an optical receiving unit (Rx unit), a filter holder that mounts a wavelength splitting filter, and a housing that installs the Tx unit, the Rx unit and the filter holder. The housing and the filter holder each provide slopes rubbing to each other that automatically determine the angle of the wavelength splitting filter.