Side-Illuminating Waveguide Assembly with Magnetic Alignment and Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber-based illumination systems face challenges in handling and assembly, with potential damage from mechanical and thermal stresses during manufacturing and installation, and require improved control over side illumination characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A side-illuminating assembly with an elongated groove and magnetic components, combined with an elongated base and reinforcing structures, allows for secure alignment and assembly, while also enabling electrical and optical signal transmission, and mechanical reinforcement to withstand stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber-based illumination systems are used, then illumination functionality is achieved, but mechanical stability and handling ease deteriorate due to potential damage from mechanical and thermal stresses during manufacturing and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by embedding the optical fiber in a protective base structure before assembly. The base acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes mechanical and thermal stresses, protecting the fragile optical fiber from damage during manufacturing, handling, and installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the optical fiber with a base made of stress-resistant material. This composite structure integrates the illumination functionality of the optical fiber with the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the base, creating a unified assembly that withstands manufacturing and installation stresses.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional assembly methods are used, then assembly is simple, but alignment precision and assembly security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through magnetic attraction between the base and receptacle, which automatically aligns and secures the optical fiber assembly during assembly. The magnetic force guides the components into proper alignment and maintains secure connection without requiring additional alignment tools or complex mechanical fastening mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If optical fiber is used for illumination, then illumination characteristics can be controlled, but handling ease and assembly ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the optical fiber from the base structure. The optical fiber is embedded in the base, creating distinct functional segments that can be handled independently during manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation makes the illumination system easier to handle while preserving the ability to control side illumination characteristics through the optical fiber's inherent properties.
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
The solution enhances the mechanical stability and ease of assembly of optical fiber-based illumination systems, reducing damage and improving control over illumination characteristics through magnetic attraction and reinforcing structures.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic attraction between the magnetic component on the receptacle and the magnetic component on the base
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide based side illuminating assembly having an elongated, side-emitting light waveguide, an optical protective coating surrounding the waveguide, an elongated base to which the waveguide is attached lengthwise along the elongated base, via the optical protective coating, a reflector between the optical protective coating and the elongated base and extending lengthwise along the base, and an elongated reinforcing structure embedded in the elongated base, or attached to an outer surface of the elongated base, and extending lengthwise along the elongated base. Other aspects are also described and claimed.