Optical Communication Module Lens Alignment and Glue Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communication modules suffer from decreased efficiency due to misalignment between the lens array face and the parallel optical fiber, causing light scattering from air gaps, which reduces connection tolerance.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication module design featuring a lens element with a groove and a fixer, where the lens element includes a reflective bevel face and collimator lenses, and the fixer has an accommodation recess with glue to secure optical fibers, optimizing alignment and reducing light scattering through specific angle configurations and refractive index matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lens body and fixer are connected together with air gap between the first array face and parallel optical fiber, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but light scattering occurs and optical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary substance between the lens array face and the parallel optical fiber. This adhesive layer eliminates the air gap that causes light scattering while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of manufacture. The adhesive serves as a mediator that optically couples the two components without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or direct mechanical contact.
2Productivity
If the first array face aligns perfectly with the parallel optical fiber, then light transmission efficiency is maximized, but the connection tolerance is reduced and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the interface between the lens array face and optical fiber by introducing an adhesive layer with specific refractive index properties. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high optical efficiency while tolerating larger alignment variations, effectively decoupling the relationship between efficiency and precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer acts as a mediator that provides optical coupling between the lens array face and optical fiber. This intermediary component enables the system to achieve high transmission efficiency without requiring precision alignment, as the adhesive compensates for misalignment through its optical properties and fills the gap between components.
3Reliability
If conventional lens structures are used without reflective surfaces, then the structure is simple, but connection tolerance is poor and optical performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the lens structure by incorporating reflective surfaces (bevel faces) on the lens housing. These reflective surfaces serve dual purposes: they guide light from LEDs that are not in direct line-of-sight of the lens array face, and they provide mechanical reference surfaces for alignment. This multi-functionality improves connection tolerance without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional element to light guidance by incorporating reflective surfaces on the housing rather than relying solely on direct optical paths. This allows light to be guided through reflection from additional spatial dimensions, improving the system's ability to tolerate connection variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Enhances the efficiency and flexibility of optoelectronic components on the circuit board by minimizing light scattering and improving connection tolerance, allowing for better light transmission and focusing within the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective bevel face (122) formed on a first peripheral side of the body (12)
Implementation Method 2
at least one collimator lens located on the light input face (121)
Implementation Method 3
a glue is filled into the accommodation recess of the lens element so that the at least one optical fiber is adhered in the lens element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication module contains: a lens element, a fixer, and at least one optical fiber. The lens element includes a groove, a body, a top face, a light input face, at least one collimator lens, and a reflective bevel face. The at least one collimator lens is located within an orthographic projection range of a vertical viewing angle of the reflective bevel face, and the body has a light output face. The fixer is mounted beside the body and includes an accommodation recess and at least one focus face, wherein the at least one focus face corresponds to an orthographic projection range of a horizontal viewing angle of the light output face. The at least one optical fiber is inserted into the accommodation recess, and a glue is filled into the accommodation recess so that the at least one optical fiber is adhered in the lens element.