Optical Receptacle Venting for Adhesive Curing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules using thermosetting adhesives for fixing light coupling elements can lead to positional displacement due to air expansion during the heat curing process, resulting in inadequate coupling between photoelectric conversion elements and optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
An optical receptacle with a recessed design that includes first and second optical surfaces for light incidence and emission, a reflection surface, and a communication part to vent air during adhesive curing, preventing positional displacement and ensuring accurate optical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thermosetting adhesive agent is used to fix the light coupling element to the substrate, then the fixing strength is improved, but the light coupling element may undergo positional displacement due to air expansion during heat curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vent hole in the light coupling element before the adhesive application process. This preliminary structural modification allows air to escape during subsequent heat curing, preventing air expansion from causing positional displacement. The vent hole is positioned and sized in advance to ensure proper air evacuation without compromising the optical coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful factor (trapped air) from the system by providing a dedicated escape path through the vent hole. During heat curing, air that would otherwise expand and displace the light coupling element is instead channeled out through the vent hole, eliminating the source of positioning error while maintaining the strong bonding provided by the thermosetting adhesive.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the recess is completely sealed during adhesive application, then adhesive containment is improved, but air trapped inside causes expansion and positional shift during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controlled opening (vent hole) in the light coupling element structure during the adhesive application and curing process. This opening allows the structure to flexibly manage air pressure by providing an escape route, preventing the air pressure buildup that would otherwise cause displacement. After curing, the vent hole's effect on positioning is minimized while maintaining its air evacuation function.
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 optical receptacle effectively prevents positional displacement during adhesive fixation, ensuring precise optical coupling between photoelectric conversion elements and optical transmission members, maintaining high installation accuracy and optical module performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat curing process (heating) is performed in the state where recess 41 of light coupling element 40 is closed by substrate 20 and the adhesive agent, and consequently the air in recess 41 may possibly be expanded
Implementation Method 2
a reflection surface disposed on a light path of light between the first optical surface and the second optical surface, the reflection surface being configured to reflect, toward the second optical surface, light incident on the first optical surface
Data Source
AI summary
This optical receptacle has the following: a concavity formed in a contact surface that contacts a substrate; a first optical surface, located at the bottom of said concavity, via which either light outputted from a photoelectric conversion element is inputted or light that is outputted from an end face of a light-transporting body and passes through the interior is outputted towards the photoelectric conversion element; a second optical surface via which either light that is inputted via the first optical surface and passes through the interior is outputted towards the end face of the light-transporting body or light outputted from the end face of the light-transporting body is inputted; a reflective surface, located in the path that light takes between the first optical surface and the second optical surface; and a connecting part that connects the interior of the concavity to the outside thereof.