Polymer Optical Waveguide with 45-Degree Prism for Endoscope Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transmission modules for endoscopes face challenges in efficiently coupling and guiding high-resolution optical signals between light emitting and receiving devices using polymer-type optical waveguide substrates, particularly in maintaining optical alignment and transmission efficiency with flexible substrates and small form factors.
Innovation Solution
The optical transmission module incorporates a polymer-type optical waveguide substrate with a 45-degree reflective face, coupled with a prism and optical fiber, where the optical waveguide and positioning member are patterned simultaneously using photolithography, enabling efficient optical coupling and alignment of optical paths between light emitting and receiving devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a polymer-type optical waveguide substrate is used for flexible endoscope applications, then flexibility and compact design are improved, but optical alignment precision and transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming grooves with precise 45-degree tilt angles on the polymer optical waveguide substrate before assembling optical components. This preliminary structuring ensures that when optical elements are positioned later, they automatically achieve correct alignment angles, resolving the alignment precision issue while maintaining the substrate's flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a positioning member with a positioning groove that mediates between the flexible polymer substrate and rigid optical components. This positioning member provides a stable reference structure for precise alignment while allowing the overall system to remain flexible for endoscope applications.
2Volume of moving object
If optical components are assembled on a flexible polymer substrate, then device compactness is improved, but optical transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical path into distinct segments with dedicated grooves for each component (light emitting device, optical fiber, light receiving device). Each groove is precisely angled to guide light efficiently, maintaining optical transmission efficiency while enabling compact integration on the flexible substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different groove configurations in different regions of the substrate. The grooves have specific 45-degree tilt angles in areas requiring optical coupling, while other regions maintain the substrate's flexibility. This localized optimization ensures high optical transmission efficiency in critical areas without compromising overall device compactness.
3Device complexity
If multiple optical devices are integrated on a single substrate, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple optical devices (light emitting device, optical fiber, light receiving device) onto a single polymer substrate with unified groove structures. The grooves serve as common guiding pathways that accommodate all components, reducing overall device complexity while the standardized 45-degree angles provide manufacturing precision through repetitive, predictable geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing grooves that serve multiple functions: guiding light between different optical devices, providing alignment references, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functional groove design reduces the need for separate positioning features, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision through standardized geometric patterns.
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 configuration enhances optical transmission efficiency and flexibility, allowing for accurate positioning and efficient signal transmission in compact designs, suitable for high-resolution endoscope applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide substrate having an optical waveguide made of first resin, in which the optical waveguide has a first reflective face with a tilt angle of 45 degrees relative to a first end face
Implementation Method 2
the optical waveguide and the positioning member are patterned at a same time by the photolithography method
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmission module includes a light emitting device for transmitting a first optical signal, a light receiving device for receiving a second optical signal, an optical fiber for guiding a third optical signal in which the first optical signal and the second optical signal are coupled, and an optical waveguide substrate having an optical waveguide made of first resin, wherein a groove formed on the optical waveguide substrate is provided with a prism having the optical fiber and a reflective face through which the first optical signal transmit, a first side face of the prism contacts a first wall face of the groove, and a second side face thereof contacts a second wall face of the groove.