Removable Lens Support Structure for PCB Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens assemblies for optoelectronic devices are permanently secured to printed circuit boards (PCBs), making it difficult to replace faulty or misaligned lenses without damaging the PCB, which leads to increased production costs and reduced component quality.
Innovation Solution
The adaptable lens assembly features a lens support structure with a second side that can be removably attached to a PCB using solder, allowing for selective attachment and detachment without damaging the PCB. This assembly includes a lens packaging structure secured to the lens support structure via an adhesive, enabling easy replacement of lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lens assembly is permanently secured to the PCB using conventional methods, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates as faulty lenses cannot be replaced without damaging the PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is segmented into a separate removable component from the PCB. The lens is mounted on a lens holder that can be independently attached and detached, allowing the lens to be replaced without removing or damaging the PCB itself. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling easy lens replacement while maintaining PCB integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment method transitions from permanent to dynamic/reversible. The lens holder uses a reversible mounting mechanism that allows the lens assembly to be securely attached during operation but easily removed when replacement is needed. This dynamic attachment approach enables both structural stability during use and ease of repair when needed.
2Device complexity
If the lens is directly attached to the PCB, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates as the PCB may be damaged during lens replacement or alignment adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
A lens holder serves as an intermediary component between the lens and the PCB. Instead of directly attaching the lens to the PCB, the lens is mounted on the holder, which then attaches to the PCB. This intermediary structure protects the PCB from potential damage during lens installation, removal, or alignment adjustments, thereby improving reliability while adding minimal complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional permanent attachment methods are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to inability to replace misaligned or faulty lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mounting system uses a dynamic, reversible attachment mechanism that allows for easy removal and reattachment of the lens holder. This enables rapid replacement of misaligned or faulty lenses without time-consuming PCB repair or replacement procedures, significantly reducing the loss of time while maintaining manufacturing precision through proper alignment features on the lens holder.
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 solution allows for the selective attachment and detachment of lens assemblies, reducing the risk of damaging the PCB and enabling the reuse of PCBs, thereby lowering production costs and improving optoelectronic component quality.
Implementation Method 1
the metal elements, when subjected to a defined temperature, may be configured to detach the lens support structure from the PCB via melting of the solder disposed between the lens support structure and the PCB
Implementation Method 2
The lens packaging structure may be secured to the lens support structure via an adhesive. In such an embodiment, the adhesive may be an epoxy
Data Source
AI summary
Adaptable lens assemblies, optoelectronic components, and associated methods of manufacturing are provided. An example optoelectronic component includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and an adaptable lens assembly. The adaptable lens assembly includes a lens packaging structure supporting an optical lens at a focal distance and a lens support structure. The lens support structure defines a first side configured to support the lens packaging structure and maintain the focal distance and a second side removably attached to the PCB. The attachment between the second side of the lens support structure and the PCB is configured to enable selective attachment and detachment of the lens support structure and lens packaging structure supported thereon without causing damage to the PCB.