Tilted Optical System in Optoelectronic Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical systems integrated into optoelectronic modules are sensitive to tolerances, leading to distortion asymmetry, which compromises image quality and three-dimensional data precision, and active alignment methods are time-consuming and not suitable for large-scale production.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a vertical alignment feature with adjustable height, machined to correct distortion asymmetry by tilting the optical system with respect to the focal plane, allowing precise contact with optoelectronic sub-assemblies without adhesive, thereby correcting for tolerances and improving image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If active alignment is used to correct tolerances, then image quality and distortion symmetry are improved, but production time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the optical system at an angled orientation relative to the focal plane during the design and assembly phase. Instead of performing time-consuming active alignment adjustments during production, the optical system is intentionally tilted at a specific angle (e.g., 5-15 degrees) from the vertical axis in advance, which compensates for distortion asymmetry caused by tolerances. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for iterative alignment adjustments during manufacturing, thereby improving image quality while maintaining high production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If optical elements are precisely aligned vertically, then assembly is simplified, but distortion asymmetry increases due to tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoiddistortion symmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately introducing a controlled angular tilt to the optical system relative to the focal plane, breaking the conventional vertical symmetry. Instead of maintaining perfect vertical alignment which is sensitive to tolerances, the optical axis is intentionally angled at a specific deviation (e.g., 5-15 degrees) from the vertical axis. This asymmetric positioning compensates for distortion asymmetry caused by manufacturing tolerances in optical elements, thereby improving image quality while keeping the assembly process relatively simple through fixed angular positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive is used to fix the optical system, then positioning is stable, but adjustment flexibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidadjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing mechanical alignment features (such as alignment pins, precision-machined surfaces, or fixture-based positioning mechanisms) that automatically position the optical system at the correct angled orientation during assembly. These mechanical features provide stable positioning through physical contact and geometric constraints, eliminating the need for adhesive while maintaining positioning stability. The pre-designed mechanical interfaces ensure repeatable angular positioning without requiring post-assembly adjustments or flexible bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10466501B2Optoelectronic modules including an optical system tilted with respect to a focal plane
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 AMS OSRAM ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD
  • US10466501B2 patent drawing
  • US10466501B2 patent drawing
  • US10466501B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure describes optoelectronic modules that include an optical system tilted with respect to a focal plane. For example, an optoelectronic module can includes an optical system including a vertical alignment feature. An optoelectronic sub-assembly includes an active optoelectronic device, wherein the vertical alignment rests on a surface of the optoelectronic sub-assembly and wherein an optical axis of the optical system is tilted with respect to a focal plane in the sub-assembly.