Prismatic Optical Fiber Holding Structure for High Density Substrate Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber holding structures with collar-shaped flanges on the entire circumference of the ferrule hinder increased mounting density when a wiring layer or electronic components are integrated on a substrate alongside optical elements.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber holding structure with a prismatic shape, featuring a through hole and a protruding columnar portion that inserts into a substrate opening, allowing for precise alignment and positioning of the optical fiber relative to the optical element, while ensuring at least one side surface of the structure main body is flush with the protruding portion, thereby reducing the mounting area and enhancing density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collar-shaped flange portion is provided on the entire circumference of the ferrule, then the optical fiber holding structure can be securely mounted on the substrate, but the mounting density on the substrate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar-shaped flange portion is segmented into discrete protruding portions rather than forming a continuous circumferential structure. This segmentation reduces the total area occupied by the mounting structure while maintaining secure attachment points, thereby increasing mounting density on the substrate without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform support around the entire circumference, the flange portion is concentrated at specific localized positions. This local quality approach provides sufficient mounting security at critical points while leaving other areas of the substrate available for additional components, thus improving mounting density.
2Reliability
If a collar-shaped flange portion is provided on the entire circumference of the ferrule, then the optical fiber holding structure can be securely mounted on the substrate, but the area occupied on the substrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous flange is divided into separate protruding portions, reducing the total area footprint on the substrate. This segmented approach maintains mounting security through strategic placement of attachment points while minimizing the overall area occupied, allowing more space for other substrate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The excess material forming the continuous circumferential flange is removed, extracting only the essential protruding portions needed for secure mounting. This reduction in material removes unnecessary area occupation while preserving the core mounting function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the through hole penetrates to the end surface of the protruding portion, then the optical fiber can be precisely positioned and aligned, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole and protruding portion are merged into a single integrated structural feature rather than being separate components. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing both the positioning hole and the mounting protrusion to be formed in one operation, reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mounting security on the substrate, defines the alignment position through the through hole, and establishes the optical axis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features, simplifying the overall structure while achieving precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber holding structure includes: a structure main body having a prismatic shape; a through hole into which an optical fiber is inserted; a protruding portion having a columnar shape projecting from the structure main body and configured to be inserted into an opening portion of a substrate; and a contact portion configured to abut on a surface of the substrate to position an optical element and the optical fiber at a predetermined distance. The through hole is formed so as to penetrate from a surface of the structure main body through which the optical fiber is inserted to an end surface of the protruding portion, and at least one side surface of the structure main body is flush with at least one side surface of the protruding portion.