Premolded Cavity for Optoelectronic Device Optical Path Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current opto-couplers face challenges due to the inconsistent shape and density of silicone insulation media, which affects light coupling and electrical isolation, leading to variability in optical paths between devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of a substrate with integrated leads and a retaining feature that shapes and confines the light-coupling medium, ensuring consistent optical paths and enhanced light reflection, while maintaining electrical isolation between input and output circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If silicone insulation medium is used in liquid state, then the opto-coupler can be manufactured with simple materials, but the shape and density become inconsistent affecting light coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the insulation medium into a solid mold with the desired shape and density before placing it in the opto-coupler assembly. This pre-shaping ensures consistent optical paths and eliminates the variability that occurs when liquid silicone is applied directly, while still maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of pre-formed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the insulation medium from liquid to solid form. By using solid pre-formed insulation pieces instead of liquid silicone, the material maintains definite shape and consistent density, thereby ensuring uniform light coupling characteristics across all devices while remaining easy to manufacture and assemble.
2Ease of operation
If surface tension is used to shape the insulation medium, then the material can be easily applied, but the shape becomes difficult and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on surface tension during application, the insulation medium is pre-formed into the desired shape before assembly. This preliminary shaping action eliminates the inconsistency caused by surface tension effects during material application, while the pre-formed components remain easy to handle and install in the device.
3Ease of operation
If liquid silicone is applied to the opto-coupler, then the insulation medium can be easily positioned, but it lacks definite shape affecting optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid to solid, providing the insulation medium with definite shape while maintaining ease of operation through pre-formed designs that are simple to position and install. The solid pre-formed pieces naturally maintain their shape during assembly without requiring complex positioning procedures.
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 ensures reliable and consistent light coupling, improved optical path control, and increased operational efficiency, enabling the opto-couplers to operate effectively in high-voltage systems without damaging components.
Implementation Method 1
The insulation medium not only acts to allow the transmission of light from the LED to the photodetector
Implementation Method 2
enhanced light reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic device is disclosed. The optoelectronic device may be employed as a single or multi-channel opto-coupler that electrically isolates one circuit from another circuit. The opto-coupler may include one or more premolded cavities with a light-coupling medium contained therein. Walls of the one or more premolded cavities advantageously help shape the light-coupling medium during manufacture, therefore, resulting in a light path with controlled shape and dimensions.