Rotationally Symmetric Optical Detector for Transceiver Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical data transmission between devices with narrow-beam divergence light sources requires precise alignment of emitters and detectors, which can be challenging, especially when devices are rotated relative to each other, leading to compromised data transfer.

Innovation Solution

The use of optoelectronic transceiver modules with a light detector positioned rotationally symmetrically to the central axis allows for data exchange between devices regardless of rotational alignment, facilitated by lens elements providing different fields-of-view for near and far fields to ensure consistent data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If precise alignment of emitters and detectors is used for optical data transmission, then data transfer reliability is improved, but device alignment complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidalignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the light detector at a rotationally symmetric position (on the central axis) while the light emitter has an asymmetric narrow beam divergence pattern. This asymmetric-emitter-symmetric-detector configuration allows the detector to receive light from any rotational position of the emitter, eliminating the need for precise rotational alignment between devices while maintaining reliable data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Use of energy by moving object

If narrow-beam divergence light sources are used for optical data transmission, then energy efficiency is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an asymmetric narrow-beam light emitter combined with a symmetrically positioned detector. The narrow beam provides energy efficiency by concentrating light in a specific direction, while the detector's position on the central axis of rotational symmetry ensures it can capture the beam regardless of the emitter's rotational orientation, thereby reducing alignment precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

By placing the detector at a rotationally symmetric position on the central axis, the system creates an equipotential condition where the detector is equally positioned relative to all possible rotational orientations of the emitter. This ensures that the detector can receive light signals from any rotational position without requiring precise angular alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Ease of operation

If rotational alignment tolerance is increased for optical data transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but data transfer reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational alignment toleranceVSAvoiddata transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by using an asymmetric narrow-beam emitter with a symmetrically positioned detector. This configuration allows the system to tolerate any rotational misalignment (improving ease of operation) while maintaining reliable data transfer, because the detector's central axial position ensures it always lies within the emitter's beam divergence angle regardless of rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 reliable and high-speed optical data transfer between devices, maintaining performance even when devices are rotated, by ensuring the detector remains within the emission angle of the emitter, thus overcoming alignment issues.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitter to emit light from the module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light detector to detect light entering the module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a lens element to project light from the light emitter out of the module into a far field, and another lens element to project light from the light emitter out of the module into a near field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical projection: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10547385B2Transceiver module including optical sensor at a rotationally symmetric position

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 AMS OSRAM ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD

AI summary

An optoelectronic module includes a transceiver operable to transmit data optically. The transceiver includes a light emitter to emit light from the module, and a light detector to detect light entering the module. The light detector is disposed at a rotationally symmetric position with respect to a central axis of the module. Such modules can help facilitate the exchange of data optically between two devices.