Optoelectronic Transceiver Integrated Coupling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic transceivers require significant calibration efforts for optical components and light guides, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when using separate fiber optic prisms that need to be installed and calibrated separately.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical coupling device with both optical and mechanical coupling means, featuring a molded plastic body that provides alignment and beam deflection, allowing for efficient coupling between optical fibers and optical elements within a single production step, eliminating the need for active alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate fiber optic prisms are used for optical coupling, then optical coupling efficiency can be achieved, but calibration effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fiber optic prism with the housing to form an integrated optical coupling device. The prism is permanently attached to the housing in a fixed position, eliminating the need for separate calibration of the prism after assembly. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by maintaining optical coupling efficiency while dramatically reducing calibration time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupling device is pre-assembled with the prism in its correct position during manufacturing, before installation in the transceiver. The alignment and optical path are established in advance during production, so no field calibration is needed. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming calibration step that would otherwise be required.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate fiber optic prisms are used, then optical coupling is possible, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic prism is integrated with the housing to form a single optical coupling device, reducing the total number of separate components. Instead of having the housing and prism as distinct elements requiring separate assembly and alignment, they become one unified component that simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining optical performance.
3Loss of time
If integrated optical coupling device is used, then calibration effort is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupling device is manufactured as a pre-assembled unit with the prism permanently fixed in its correct position during production. This preliminary assembly and alignment is performed in the controlled manufacturing environment where precision tools and fixtures are available, making the manufacturing process manageable despite the added complexity of creating an integrated component.
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
This solution reduces calibration efforts and achieves efficient optical coupling with 90° beam deflection and collimation, enabling the production of compact optoelectronic transceivers suitable for USB plug-in connector technology, ensuring durable and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
beam deflection which ensures an almost vertical beam incidence into the input end face of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an optoelectronic transceiver which has the following: an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, coupling means consisting of a first and second optical lens made with optically active interfaces for changing/deflecting optical paths of on the one hand optical output signals A of the optical transmitter to a connectable optical light guide and on the other hand of input signals E of the same light guide to the receiver, characterized in that the first lens has a concave reflection surface which lies inside in the coupling means for signals of the optical transmitter and the second lens has a convex transmission surface which lies outside for outgoing signals of the optical transmitter and a concave reflection surface which lies inside for incoming signals.