Optical Path Change Member With Curved Reflective Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical path change members with inclined flat reflective surfaces struggle to accurately change the optical path direction, especially when multi-core optical fibers are two-dimensionally arranged, leading to difficulties in maintaining optical connection as the direction of incident light shifts.
Innovation Solution
An optical path change member with a holding member body made of transparent material, featuring inclined optical-fiber insertion holes and a reflective inner surface for internal light reflection, along with concave first lenses for focusing and second lenses between the reflective surface and light input/output ends to maintain optical path direction, and positioning convex portions for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an inclined flat reflective surface is used in conventional optical path change members, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the optical path direction cannot be accurately changed when multi-core optical fibers are two-dimensionally arranged, leading to difficulty in maintaining optical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional inclined flat reflective surface with a curved reflective surface. This curvature enables accurate optical path direction change for multi-core optical fibers arranged two-dimensionally, while maintaining ease of manufacture through injection molding of the holding member body that integrates the curved reflective surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the reflective surface from a simple inclined plane to a curved surface with specific radius of curvature. This parameter change allows the reflective surface to accommodate the two-dimensional arrangement of multi-core optical fibers while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integral molding.
2Quantity of substance
If multi-core optical fibers are two-dimensionally arranged to increase connection density, then high-density optical connections are achieved, but light interference occurs between adjacent optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The curved reflective surface focuses and directs light from each optical fiber core along its specific optical path. This curvature ensures that light beams from adjacent fibers remain separated and do not interfere with each other, enabling high-density two-dimensional arrangement without crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local properties to different regions of the curved reflective surface, where each local region corresponds to a specific optical fiber core. This local quality ensures that light from each core is reflected at the appropriate angle to maintain separation from adjacent fiber paths.
3Reliability
If the direction of incident light shifts in conventional optical connectors, then alignment tolerance is exceeded, but optical connection cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The curved reflective surface provides a focal point that converges light rays even when the incident direction shifts within certain tolerances. This geometric property maintains optical connection reliability by directing shifted light paths back to the correct output position, accommodating alignment variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved reflective surface is designed with a radius of curvature that anticipates and compensates for potential alignment shifts. This pre-designed geometric compensation cushioning effect maintains optical connection stability even when alignment tolerances are exceeded during assembly or operation.
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 solution enables accurate optical path change and prevention of light interference between adjacent optical fibers, ensuring reliable optical connection even when multi-core optical fibers are two-dimensionally arranged, while allowing for miniaturization and high-density optical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective inner surface which totally internally reflects light incident from the optical-fiber insertion holes to a surface of the holding member body configured to face an optical device on a board
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical path change member including a holding member body formed of a transparent material. The holding member body includes: at least two rows of optical-fiber insertion holes which hold optical fibers inserted therein, such that the optical axes of the optical fibers are inclined with respect to an optical axis of the optical device, and a reflective inner surface which totally internally reflects light incident from the optical-fiber insertion holes to a surface of the holding member body configured to face an optical device on a board.