Self-Aligning Light Source Module for Optical Fiber Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display and illumination systems require cumbersome and labor-intensive procedures to align the optical axis of light sources with optical fibers for accurate light guidance, especially during light source replacement in high or hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A display and illumination system with a light source module that includes a convex portion for engaging optical fibers and a concave portion for constant force extraction, along with a holder system using leaf springs and a pressing elliptical cylinder to facilitate easy alignment and connection of the light source module to optical fibers, allowing for remote installation and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light sources (lamps or fluorescent lights) are used in display and illumination systems installed in high places, then the illumination function is achieved, but the replacement operation becomes cumbersome and troublesome requiring traffic limitation or passage closure
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illumination system into separate components: a light source unit and a light emitting section. The light source can be replaced independently at ground level while the light emitting section remains installed in the high location, eliminating the need for cumbersome on-site replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as an intermediary to transmit light from the ground-level light source to the high-location light emitting section. This allows the light source to be positioned at an accessible location while maintaining illumination function at the remote high location.
2Measurement precision
If laser beams are guided to optical fibers using a condenser lens, then light guidance is achieved, but the alignment of optical axis requires huge amount of labor and cumbersome procedures during light source replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The light source module includes a convex portion that automatically engages with the optical fiber, and a pressing member that automatically presses the optical fiber against the convex portion. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual optical axis alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual alignment process is replaced by a mechanical engagement system where the convex portion and pressing member automatically position and secure the optical fiber, substituting complex alignment procedures with simple mechanical insertion and pressing actions.
3Reliability
If light sources are installed in lamp houses in motor vehicles, then the illumination function is achieved, but the replacement operation requires disassembling lamp houses from outside or inside the vehicle making it cumbersome and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into a replaceable light source module and a fixed lamp house structure. The light source module can be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the lamp house, significantly simplifying maintenance operations in motor vehicles.
4Ease of operation
If the light source and light emitting section are installed in separate positions using optical fibers, then maintenance operation is facilitated, but the location relationship (optical axis) must be accurately aligned requiring huge amount of labor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism between light source module and optical fiber incorporates a convex portion and pressing member that automatically align and secure the optical fiber to the light source, making the system self-aligning and eliminating complex alignment procedures during maintenance.
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
Enables easy and efficient adjustment and replacement of light sources without the need for precise alignment, reducing labor and complexity in maintenance operations, while allowing for flexible placement of light sources at accessible locations, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing maintenance time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber for transmitting light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a convex portion formed on a first side of the light source module, engaged to the optical fiber, and for extracting light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A display and illumination system includes a light source section accommodating a light source; an optical fiber for transmitting light from the light source; a display illumination unit radiating light transmitted by the optical fiber; a light source module installed in the light source section, accommodating the light source, and optically connected to the optical fiber; a plug electrode installed in the light source module and supplying electric power to the light source; a convex portion on a first side of the light source module, engaging the optical fiber, and extracting light from the light source; and a concave portion located opposite the first side of the light source module and urging the convex portion toward the optical fiber with a constant force.