Optical Module Compact Design With Flexible Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of optical modules limits the attachment positions for optical coupling components, hindering flexible design configurations.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design that includes a light-forming part with a semiconductor light-emitting device and a lens surrounded by a protective member, connected to an adapter with an optical passage, which supports additional optical coupling components, allowing for a reduction in size while maintaining flexibility in configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of optical modules is reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the attachment positions for optical coupling components are limited and flexible design is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is divided into distinct functional segments: a protective member housing the light-forming part, and a separate adapter containing the optical passage and coupling components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the protective member can be compact while the adapter provides flexible attachment positions for optical coupling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the protective member and external optical coupling components. It provides a standardized interface that enables flexible configuration of optical components without increasing the size of the core protective member, thus maintaining compactness while enabling design flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical coupling components are added to meet application requirements, then the functionality is improved, but the size of optical module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical passage and coupling components are nested within the adapter structure, which itself attaches to the protective member. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a space-efficient manner, adding functionality without proportionally increasing the overall module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various types of optical coupling components through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the same adapter structure to support different optical configurations without requiring separate dedicated structures for each component type, thereby avoiding size increases.
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
Enables a compact optical module with flexible design capabilities, allowing for the inclusion of desired optical coupling components without significantly inhibiting size reduction, and enhances the longevity of the semiconductor light-emitting device.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to convert, in terms of spot size, light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting device
Implementation Method 2
an output window configured to transmit light from the light-forming part
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a light-forming part; a protective member and including an output window and disposed so as to surround the light-forming part; an adapter connected to the protective member and including an optical passage through which light emitted from the light-forming part and transmitted by the output window passes; and an optical coupling component that is connected to the adapter and that light passing through the optical passage enters. The light-forming part includes semiconductor light-emitting devices and lenses configured to convert, in terms of spot size, light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting devices. The optical coupling component includes an optical component and a support member supporting the optical component. The support member and the adapter are connected together.