Telecentric Optical Assembly Kinematic Mount Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current server systems face signal integrity challenges and design flexibility limitations due to high-frequency electrical signals and complex optical signaling systems, particularly in blade-type computer servers where signal loss, noise, and alignment issues occur, and space constraints are a problem.

Innovation Solution

A telecentric optical link system with kinematic mounts and alignment structures that passively align optical beams between active optical elements on substrates, eliminating the need for precise in-plane alignment and allowing for modular, flexible connections using free space instead of optical cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If optical fibers and connectors are used for high-speed communication, then data transmission rate is improved, but alignment precision and connection reliability deteriorate due to complex alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fiber coupling system with a telecentric optical system that uses free-space optics. Instead of physically connecting fibers that require precise alignment, the system uses lenses and mirrors to redirect light paths, eliminating the need for mechanical alignment while maintaining high-speed optical communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of lenses and mirrors that mediates between the light source and detector. This intermediary telecentric optical path eliminates the need for direct fiber-to-fiber alignment by using optical elements to transfer the light signal, thereby solving the alignment precision problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical components are placed at the edge of circuit boards, then optical connection capability is improved, but space for electrical components and cables deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical connection capabilityVSAvoidspace for electrical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the optical interface from the two-dimensional edge of the circuit board to a three-dimensional position above the board surface. By using telecentric optics with lenses and mirrors, the optical components can be positioned in the vertical dimension rather than consuming horizontal space at the board edges, allowing electrical components and cables to occupy the edge space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical signals are transmitted through long traces and multiple connectors, then connectivity is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to loss and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through conductors with optical signal transmission through free space. By converting electrical signals to optical signals at the source and detecting them as optical signals at the destination, the system eliminates the signal loss and noise problems inherent in long electrical traces and multiple connectors, while maintaining the same connectivity function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 telecentric optical link system provides precise and fault-tolerant alignment with high accuracy, reducing signal loss and noise, and increasing design flexibility by simplifying the alignment process and eliminating the need for complex optical connectors, while maintaining optical communication efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A telecentric optical link system with kinematic mounts and alignment structures that passively align optical beams between active optical elements on substrates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical beam alignment: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8947796B2Telecentric optical assembly

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 VALTRUS INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a telecentric optical assembly comprising a first portion of a telecentric optical link including a first kinematic mount having alignment structures, where the first kinematic mount can be attached to a first substrate having a first array of active optical elements; and a second portion of the telecentric optical link including a second kinematic mount having recesses configured to mate with the alignment structures, where the second kinematic mount can be attached to a second substrate having a second array of active optical elements. Additionally, the first and second kinematic mounts, when mated, can align optical beams between the first array of active optical elements and the second array of active optical elements.