Optical Waveguide Layout With Nested Positioning Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical waveguide components face challenges in miniaturization due to interference between positioning structures and optical waveguides, preventing compact design and reliable positioning.

Innovation Solution

The optical waveguide component is designed with a positioning structure disposed at a position overlapping the curved portions of the optical waveguides, allowing for a compact configuration without interference, and includes a holding member with an engagement portion to securely position the waveguide component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a positioning structure is provided in the optical waveguide component, then positioning reliability is improved, but the component size increases due to space requirements for the positioning structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure is nested within the space occupied by the curved portion of the optical waveguide. The curved portion creates an overlapping region in the second direction where the positioning structure can be disposed without interfering with the optical waveguide, effectively nesting the positioning function within the existing waveguide geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning structure utilizes the overlapping space created by the curved portion's projection in the second direction. By disposing the positioning structure at a position overlapping with the curved portions in the second direction, the design transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement, allowing compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the distance between the positioning structure and optical waveguide is maintained to avoid interference, then interference is prevented, but the component cannot be miniaturized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference avoidanceVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical waveguide includes a curved portion curved in the second direction, which creates an overlapping region when projected. This curvature allows the positioning structure to be disposed in the overlapping space without causing interference, as the curved geometry naturally provides spatial separation in the first direction while maintaining overlap in the second direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20260063848A1Optical waveguide component, holding member, and optical connection member

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical waveguide component includes a base member, and a plurality of optical waveguides extending in a first direction inside the base member and being arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the plurality of optical waveguides has a pair of end portions. The base member includes a positioning structure configured to position the base member and has a surface at which the pairs of end portions are exposed. Each of the plurality of optical waveguides includes a curved portion curved in the second direction. The positioning structure is disposed at a position overlapping with the curved portions in the second direction.