Perpendicular O-ring and Liquid Resin Seal for Optical Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical module packaging structures fail to provide adequate moisture-proofing, leading to dew condensation and defects in optical components, especially in high-temperature environments like automobile dashboards, where existing solutions either allow corrosion or outgas components that hinder operation.

Innovation Solution

An optical module package structure using a pedestal with an O ring and a liquid seal material, where the compression directions of the O ring and the liquid seal material are nearly perpendicular, ensuring airtight sealing and independent adjustment of the seal material thickness to prevent moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sealing structure is used in the optical module, then the structure is simple, but moisture-proofing is insufficient leading to dew condensation and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture-proofing capabilityVSAvoidsealing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure is divided into two independent sealing elements: an O-ring and a liquid seal material. Each sealing element operates independently with its own compression direction, creating segmented sealing zones that together provide comprehensive moisture protection without requiring a completely redesigned sealing system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The O-ring acts as an intermediary sealing element between the pedestal and cover, working in conjunction with the liquid seal material. The O-ring provides primary sealing while the liquid seal material fills gaps and provides secondary sealing, together forming a robust moisture barrier

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a single sealing method is used, then the structure is simple, but the seal material thickness cannot be independently adjusted to optimize sealing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidsealing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure allows independent adjustment of the liquid seal material thickness while maintaining the O-ring compression. The step portion geometry enables dynamic control of liquid seal material volume and thickness, optimizing sealing performance for different conditions without redesigning the entire sealing system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables independent parameter adjustment of the liquid seal material thickness through the step portion design. By changing the step portion dimensions, the liquid seal material thickness can be optimized for different sealing requirements while the O-ring compression parameters remain independent and可调

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the optical module is used in high-temperature environments like automobile dashboards, then the module can be installed in versatile locations, but dew condensation occurs on optical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation location flexibilityVSAvoiddew condensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dual sealing structure with O-ring and liquid seal material provides preliminary protection against moisture ingress before dew condensation can occur. By preventing moisture entry at the seal interface, the system proactively counteracts the harmful effect of dew condensation that would otherwise occur in high-temperature environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If existing sealing solutions are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but outgas components adhere to optical components causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical component qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and isolates the sealing function from the main optical assembly by using a dedicated sealing structure with O-ring and liquid seal material at the pedestal-cover interface. This separation prevents outgas from adhesive agents used in optical component bonding from contaminating the optical surfaces, while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 effectively prevents dew condensation and outgas entry, enhancing the reliability and airtightness of the optical module package, reducing defects and maintaining optimal component operation in varying environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the compression directions of the O ring and the liquid seal material are nearly perpendicular to each other, ensuring airtight sealing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10371369B2Sealing of optical module with O-ring and liquid resin
Publication Date: 2019.08.06 HITACHI LG DATA STORAGE INC
  • US10371369B2 patent drawing
  • US10371369B2 patent drawing
  • US10371369B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical module having a high-moisture-proof package structure in which dew condensation does not occur is provided.An optical module includes optical components including a light source, a pedestal on which the optical components are mounted, a cover which is combined to the pedestal to seal the optical components, and an emitting window disposed in the cover to take light from the light source outside. The pedestal and the cover are sealed with an O ring and a liquid seal material such that a compression direction of the O ring and a compression direction of the liquid seal material are almost perpendicular to each other.