Optoelectronic Component Rabbet for Optical Element Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic components with integrated optical elements face challenges in protecting the optical elements from accidental removal, which can lead to damage, and existing designs lack effective methods for precise alignment and enhanced adhesion.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rabbet on the housing body with a shoulder and cheek that securely receives the optical element, featuring a gap for easy mounting and precise alignment, and the use of glue to fixate the element, preventing it from being pulled or sheared off, while the rabbet's geometry and shape facilitate automatic centering and increased contact surface for improved adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical element is mounted directly on the housing body without a rabbet, then the mounting structure is simple, but the optical element is vulnerable to accidental removal and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The housing body structure is segmented by introducing a rabbet (recess) with distinct functional zones: a shoulder for support, a cheek for lateral constraint, and a gap for alignment. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific protective function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is nested within the rabbet structure of the housing body, with the brim of the optical element fitting into the recessed space. This nesting arrangement provides protection without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the housing body.
2Reliability
If the rabbet height is made equal to the brim thickness for maximum protection, then the optical element is well-protected, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rabbet height is designed to be substantially equal to the brim thickness, providing sufficient protection without requiring exact precision. The design accepts a range of values rather than a single precise dimension, implementing 'enough is enough' rather than excessive precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The design specifies that the rabbet height should be substantially equal to the brim thickness, allowing for manufacturing tolerances. This parameter relationship provides a clear design guideline that balances protection effectiveness with manufacturing feasibility.
3Measurement precision
If a small gap is provided between the brim and cheek for precise alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the gap width must be controlled tightly
Solution Approach 1:
A small gap is intentionally left between the brim and cheek, sufficient for alignment purposes but not requiring zero clearance. This partial action provides the necessary alignment function without demanding extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the brim and cheek allows the optical element to self-align during assembly. The geometry of the rabbet and brim work together to automatically center the element without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or precision adjustments.
4Strength
If glue is applied extensively to maximize adhesion, then bonding strength is improved, but glue may be squeezed out and create mess
Solution Approach 1:
The rabbet structure creates different local zones with specific functions: the shoulder area provides support and glue application surface, while the cheek area acts as a barrier to contain the glue. This local differentiation allows glue to be applied effectively without squeezing out.
Solution Approach 2:
The cheek of the rabbet, which might seem to restrict glue application, actually serves as a beneficial barrier that prevents glue from squeezing out during assembly. The constraint that initially seems limiting becomes a protective feature that keeps the bonding area clean.
5Volume of moving object
If the shoulder is formed only at corners for compact dimensions, then the housing body size is reduced, but the contact surface for adhesion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder support is segmented to be located only at the corners of the rabbet rather than forming a continuous structure. This segmentation reduces the material required and the overall housing body dimensions while still providing adequate support points for the optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner shoulders are combined with the glue application process, where glue is applied at these corner locations to bond the brim to the housing body. This merging of structural support and bonding functions at the corners maximizes adhesion strength within the compact geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic component is disclosed. In an embodiment an optoelectronic component includes a housing body, an optical element and a rabbet comprising a shoulder and a cheek, wherein the rabbet is located on an upper side of the housing body, wherein the optical element is located in the rabbet such that a brim of the optical element rests on the shoulder of the rabbet, wherein the upper side of the housing body comprises a rectangular shape, and wherein the shoulder of the rabbet is located only at corners of the rabbet.