Plastic Optical Unit With Internal Attenuating Portion for Precise Light Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical units for connecting light sources and receivers face challenges in accurately achieving desired light attenuation with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, often requiring complex structures that introduce noise or inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
An optical unit with plastic surfaces for incident and outgoing light, designed to form first and second images of the light source, incorporating an attenuating portion to achieve a desired attenuation factor of -0.5 dB to -6.0 dB, using laser illumination through ferrules for precise alignment and formation of the attenuating portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a film for light-attenuation is used on the surface through which light passes, then light attenuation can be achieved, but more manpower and costs are required for production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light attenuation function from a separate film component and integrates it directly into the optical unit's transparent resin body by forming an attenuating portion within the resin itself. This eliminates the need for separate film attachment processes, reducing manpower and production costs while maintaining the desired light attenuation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light attenuation function with the optical unit's structural body by forming the attenuating portion directly within the transparent resin. This combination eliminates the need for separate films and simplifies the production process, achieving both light attenuation and structural integrity in a single component.
2Loss of energy
If a light diffusing device is used in the optical unit, then light attenuation can be achieved, but greater noises can be caused by the diffused light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific attenuating portion with controlled light-absorbing properties at a defined location within the optical unit, rather than using a light diffusing device that would scatter light throughout the entire structure. This localized approach achieves attenuation without generating harmful diffused light noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of light scattering into a benefit by using a laser to create a precise attenuating portion that absorbs light in a controlled manner. Instead of allowing random diffusion that creates noise, the laser processing creates a structured attenuating region that achieves the desired attenuation factor without harmful side effects.
3Loss of energy
If conventional methods are used to achieve light attenuation, then some attenuation can be realized, but a desired attenuation factor can hardly be realized with a high degree of accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical methods of creating attenuating portions with laser processing. The laser provides precise control over the attenuating portion's formation, enabling accurate achievement of the desired attenuation factor. The laser's ability to precisely control energy delivery allows for repeatable, high-precision attenuation without the variability inherent in mechanical or chemical processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves precise control over the attenuation factor by carefully controlling laser processing parameters such as power, speed, and number of passes. By adjusting these parameters, the desired attenuation factor can be accurately achieved and reproduced. The laser processing allows for fine-tuning of the attenuating portion's properties to match the target attenuation specification.
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 easy production of optical units that accurately achieve desired light attenuation with high precision and efficiency, reducing production costs and minimizing noise.
Implementation Method 1
the attenuating portion for attenuating the quantity of light passing therethrough with a desired attenuation factor in the vicinity of the position where the first image is formed... by laser illumination carried out through the surface for incident light or the surface for outgoing light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit of plastic provided with a surface for incident light and a surface for outgoing light, wherein the surface for incident light is designed to face a light source and the surface for outgoing light is designed to face an element for receiving light so as to optically connect the light source and the element for receiving light and wherein the optical unit is so shaped that light that comes from the light source and is incident on the surface for incident light forms a first image of the light source within the optical unit and a second image of the light source after having gone through the surface for outgoing light and the optical unit is provided with an attenuating portion for attenuating the quantity of light passing therethrough in the vicinity of the position where the first image is formed.