Photoelectric Coupling Assembly Slanted Electrode Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photoelectric coupling assemblies face difficulties in forming electrodes on slanted surfaces, particularly within optical fiber holding members, which complicates the integration of electrical wiring and increases the risk of damage to photoelectric conversion elements.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric coupling assembly with a molded article featuring a slanted distal end surface and electrodes, where the electrodes are mounted on the distal end surface and protrude beyond the side surface, allowing for secure electrical connection and avoiding collisions with the active layer of the photoelectric conversion element, along with a method involving insert-molding and precise cutting techniques to manufacture this assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical wiring is laid from end surface to side surface of optical fiber holding member, then position flexibility of photoelectric coupling assembly is improved, but difficulty of forming electrodes on slanted end surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition flexibilityVSAvoidease of forming electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is formed on the slanted end surface before the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber holding member. This preliminary formation of the electrode on the slanted surface allows the wiring to be established prior to fiber insertion, resolving the contradiction by enabling position flexibility while maintaining manufacturability through pre-formed electrodes that are not damaged during subsequent assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If electrode terminates within slanted end surface, then electrical connection is achieved, but risk of damage to photoelectric conversion element increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk to active layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is formed on the slanted end surface before the photoelectric conversion element is mounted. This preliminary formation ensures that the electrode terminates safely within the slanted surface without risking contact with or damage to the active layer during subsequent assembly operations, thereby maintaining electrical connection reliability while eliminating damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slanted end surface, which could be considered a geometric complication, is utilized to form the electrode in a safe manner. The slant allows the electrode to terminate within the surface boundaries without creating sharp corners or protrusions that could damage the active layer, converting the potential harm of the slanted geometry into a beneficial safety feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables the reliable formation and connection of electrodes on slanted surfaces, preventing damage to the active layer and ensuring high-reliability electrical connections, thereby facilitating efficient high-speed and high-capacity optical interconnections.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion is carried out at signal processing/transmission interfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The end surface of the second end of the electrode is preferably plated with metal.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetal plating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentUS7301139B1Photoelectric coupling assembly and method of manufacture thereof

Publication Date: 2007.11.27 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

Three-dimensional wiring can be easily laid and an electrode terminating on a slanted surface can be easily formed. A photoelectric coupling assembly comprises a photoelectric conversion unit and a molded article. The molded article includes a hole to receive an optical fiber, a distal end surface being slanted to an axis of the hole, a side surface forming an acute angle with the distal end surface, and an electrode mounted to the distal end surface. The electrode has a first end terminating within the distal end surface and a second end having an end surface exposed on the side surface. A method includes holding a wiring plate having a lead in a state where a supported end of the lead is positioned on a side surface of the molded article and insert-molding the article, cutting the wiring plate from the article, and mounting the conversion unit on the distal end surface.