Photonic Coupling Cover Venting for Bubble-Free Fiber Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coupling between photonic components and optical fibers is hindered by bubbles formed in the adhesive gel, leading to functional failures and optical coupling loss.
Innovation Solution
The design of a cover with openings over the optically coupling regions allows bubbles in the adhesive material to vent outside, reducing their presence and enhancing adhesion between the cover and photonic component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If gel is dispensed to adhere optical fibers to photonic component, then adhesion is achieved, but bubbles are formed in the gel
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple sections: a sealed portion covering non-coupling areas and an open portion covering optically coupling regions. This segmentation allows the gel to be contained and cured in sealed areas while permitting bubble escape in open areas, resolving the contradiction between achieving adhesion and preventing bubble formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The open portion of the cover extracts or removes bubbles from the gel by providing an escape path during the curing process. Bubbles are taken out of the sealed gel structure through the open portion, allowing the gel to maintain adhesion strength while being free of harmful bubbles.
2Reliability
If gel is used to couple optical fibers, then optical coupling is achieved, but optical coupling loss occurs due to bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure segments the curing environment into sealed regions (for adhesion) and open regions (for bubble escape). This ensures that optically coupling regions remain bubble-free during curing, maintaining optical coupling reliability while preventing energy loss from bubble-induced defects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cover is sealed to protect optical elements, then protection is achieved, but bubbles are trapped inside
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into sealed portions (for protection) and open portions (for bubble venting). This allows the cover to simultaneously protect optical elements from external contaminants while providing an escape path for bubbles generated during gel curing, preventing trapped bubbles.
Solution Approach 2:
The open portion of the cover extracts bubbles from the enclosed space during curing. By providing an open path during the critical curing phase, bubbles are removed from the protection zone before the cover is fully sealed, eliminating trapped bubbles while maintaining protective function.
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 design mitigates functional failures and improves optical transmission performance by minimizing bubbles, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces costs.
Implementation Method 1
The cover is configured to protect the optical elements and configured to vent
Implementation Method 2
The connection layer is configured to provide an optical communication between the optical elements and the photonic component
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a photonic component, a plurality of optical elements, a connection layer, and a cover. The photonic component defines a predetermined region. The optical elements are disposed at the predetermined region and configured to optically couple with the photonic component. The connection layer is connected to the photonic component and the optical elements. The cover is configured to protect the optical elements and configured to vent.