Opto-Electric Hybrid Module Alignment via Fitting Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opto-electric hybrid modules face misalignment issues between optical elements and optical waveguides, leading to failures in light propagation, despite alignment methods being proposed, which require precise attachment of alignment members to the waveguides.
Innovation Solution
An opto-electric hybrid module design featuring an optical element unit with a fitting portion and an opto-electric hybrid unit with a to-be-fitted portion, allowing for precise alignment through fitting engagement, eliminating the need for high-precision alignment and ensuring proper light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an alignment member is attached to the optical waveguide to align the optical element and core, then the alignment process is simplified, but misalignment between the alignment member and optical waveguide occurs leading to failed light propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fitting portion as an intermediary component that couples the optical element unit and opto-electric hybrid unit. This fitting portion includes a fitting surface that directly contacts and aligns with the end surface of the core, serving as a mediator that ensures precise alignment without requiring separate alignment members attached to the waveguide, thereby resolving the misalignment issue while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the coupling structure into distinct functional segments: the fitting portion in the optical element unit, the to-be-fitted portion in the opto-electric hybrid unit, and the core. By segmenting the alignment function into these separate components with predetermined positional relationships, the system achieves reliable light propagation while keeping the alignment process simple
2Manufacturing precision
If high-precision alignment methods are used to ensure light propagation, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-alignment through the fitting structure. When the optical element unit and opto-electric hybrid unit are coupled together via the fitting portion and to-be-fitted portion, the predetermined positional relationships automatically ensure that the optical element and core are aligned correctly. This self-service alignment mechanism achieves high manufacturing precision without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined positional relationships between the optical element and fitting portion in the optical element unit, and between the core and to-be-fitted portion in the opto-electric hybrid unit, before the final coupling. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the units are coupled, alignment is already achieved, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly alignment procedures
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an opto-electric hybrid module in which an optical element of an optical element unit and a core of an optical waveguide of an opto-electric hybrid unit are aligned with each other simply and precisely. This opto-electric hybrid module includes: a connector including an optical element; and an opto-electric hybrid unit including an electric circuit board and an optical waveguide which are stacked together. The connector includes aligning protrusions positioned and formed in a predetermined position with respect to the optical element. The opto-electric hybrid unit 2 includes recesses for fitting engagement with the aligning protrusion, the recesses being positioned and formed in a predetermined position with respect to an end surface of a core of the optical waveguide.