Rotatable Top Shell Assembly for Fastenerless Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic modules face challenges in accurate optical alignment and secure component assembly due to bulkiness and complexity caused by conventional shell designs that rely on fasteners, which increase assembly time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable top shell with a curved tongue that secures relative to a bottom shell without fasteners, allowing for secure positioning in x, y, and z directions, reducing assembly complexity and cost, and enabling secure component retention within the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners (screws, clips) are used to secure the top shell to the bottom shell, then the module achieves reliable structural connection, but the assembly complexity, bulk, cost, and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fasteners entirely from the shell assembly system. The top shell is designed with a curved tongue that engages with a complementary curved surface on the bottom shell, creating a fastenerless connection that eliminates screws, clips, or other fastening elements while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surfaces for the tongue and mating surface to enable rotational closure. The curved geometry allows the top shell to rotate from an open to closed position while maintaining continuous contact and proper alignment, replacing traditional linear fastening mechanisms
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fasteners are used to secure components within the module, then components are held firmly in place, but the available space is reduced and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates fasteners from the component securing system, using the curved tongue mechanism and shell geometry to hold components in place without screws or clips, thereby maximizing internal space while maintaining component stability
Solution Approach 2:
The curved tongue design allows dynamic rotation during assembly, enabling the top shell to pivot from an open to closed position, which facilitates easier component installation and adjustment compared to rigid fastened structures
3Strength
If conventional fasteners are used to assemble the shell, then the structure is securely locked, but the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all fasteners from the shell assembly process, relying on the curved tongue engagement with the bottom shell to provide locking strength without requiring screws, clips, or other time-consuming fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The curved tongue is pre-formed as an integral part of the top shell during molding, eliminating the need for separate fastener components and their associated assembly steps, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining locking strength
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a rotatable top shell is provided for an example optoelectronic device. The rotatable top shell includes a body defining a curved tongue on one end. The tongue is configured to rotate about a complimenting curved mating surface of a bottom shell of the optoelectronic device to allow the body to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The rotatable top shell further includes means for securing the rotatable top shell relative to the bottom shell. The means for securing the rotatable top shell may include one or more of: a plurality of nubs defined along at least one edge of the body, a hole defined in the body for receiving a retention pin of the bottom shell, two sides for being received within a main cavity of the bottom shell, or the like.