Co-Packaged Photonics Fiber Connector With Pivot Spring Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing co-packaged optics technologies face challenges in efficiently and rapidly combining or separating optical fiber assemblies with photonic integrated circuits without causing damage, while ensuring stability and longevity of the optical fiber assembly.
Innovation Solution
A co-packaged photonics fiber connector is designed with a housing, intermediate member, and spring sheet mechanism that allows rapid assembly and disassembly of optical fiber assemblies to photonic integrated circuits, utilizing a pivotable spring sheet to securely fix the assembly through elastic forces applied by the spring sheet and intermediate member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional packaging methods are used to combine optical fiber assemblies with photonic integrated circuits, then the assembly process is complex and time-consuming, but the optical fiber assembly may be damaged during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a housing mounted on the PIC, an intermediate member, and a spring sheet. This segmentation allows the optical fiber assembly to be connected through the intermediate member without direct handling of fragile components, enabling rapid assembly while protecting the optical fiber assembly from damage
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate member is introduced as a mediator between the optical fiber assembly and the housing. The intermediate member receives the optical fiber assembly and transmits it to the housing, providing a protective interface that enables rapid connection while preventing damage to the optical fiber assembly during assembly and disassembly operations
2Productivity
If rapid assembly and disassembly mechanisms are implemented, then productivity improves, but the stability and longevity of the optical fiber assembly may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring sheet is designed to be dynamically movable, pivoting between a retracted position (for assembly/disassembly) and an extended position (for fixing). This dynamic mechanism enables rapid assembly operations while ensuring stable fixation during operation, thereby extending the optical fiber assembly lifetime without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring sheet provides beforehand cushioning by applying elastic force to the intermediate member, which in turn protects the optical fiber assembly during assembly operations. This pre-positioned protective mechanism ensures that the optical fiber assembly is cushioned against impacts and stresses, maintaining its integrity and extending its lifetime while enabling rapid assembly
3Reliability
If a secure fixing mechanism is used to ensure stability, then the optical fiber assembly is protected, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring sheet is implemented as a flexible thin component that provides secure fixing through elastic deformation. This flexible structure replaces complex rigid locking mechanisms, achieving reliable fixation of the optical fiber assembly while maintaining a simple and compact connector structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spring sheet automatically engages with the intermediate member through elastic force, providing self-service fixation without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. This self-activating fixing mechanism ensures assembly stability while minimizing structural complexity
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 rapid, damage-free assembly and disassembly of optical fiber assemblies with photonic integrated circuits, providing a stable and durable assembly mechanism that enhances the lifetime of the optical fiber assembly and improves assembly precision.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic force of the spring sheet may press the optical fiber assembly through the intermediate member to fix the optical fiber assembly in the slot
Data Source
AI summary
A co-packaged photonics fiber connector is configured on a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) to receive an optical fiber assembly and optically couple the optical fiber assembly to the PIC. The co-packaged photonics fiber connector includes a housing mounted on the PIC, an intermediate member, and a spring sheet. The housing includes a shaft portion and a slot, in which the optical fiber assembly is configured to be inserted into the slot or removed from the slot. A portion of the spring sheet is pivotally hooked onto the shaft portion such that the spring sheet pivots relative to the housing about the shaft portion. In a fixed state, the optical fiber assembly and the intermediate member are inserted into the slot, and at least another portion of the spring sheet abuts the intermediate member to fix the optical fiber assembly in the slot through the intermediate member.