Tilted Platform Optical Assembly for Compact Fiber Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication modules with small form factors face challenges in accommodating various components due to limited space, making it difficult to fit fiber arrays without compromising performance or mechanical reliability.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly includes a tilted platform within a housing, mounting a silicon photonics device with a grating coupler, and a fiber array directly coupled to the coupler at an angled position, allowing the fiber array to fit within the limited space while maintaining performance by bending with a suitable radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small form factor housing is used, then the device size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to accommodate fiber arrays and various components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilted platform at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the housing base, transforming the two-dimensional flat mounting surface into a three-dimensional angled structure. This dimensional change allows fiber arrays and components to be arranged in a space-efficient manner that fits within the compact housing while maintaining proper optical coupling geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mounting angle parameter of the platform and the coupling angle of the fiber array to optimize space utilization. By changing these geometric parameters, the design achieves compact integration of components without compromising optical performance or mechanical reliability
2Reliability
If fiber array is directly coupled to grating coupler at vertical position, then coupling efficiency is maximized, but fiber array cannot fit into limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling angle parameter from the traditional vertical (0 degrees) to a specific angled position (e.g., matching the platform tilt angle). This parameter modification allows the fiber array to follow the tilted platform geometry, enabling compact integration while maintaining effective optical coupling through the grating coupler
3Volume of moving object
If fiber array is bent to fit limited space, then space constraint is satisfied, but signal loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the tilted platform, the patent creates a three-dimensional routing path for the fiber array that achieves compact space utilization without requiring sharp bends. The angled geometry allows the fiber to follow a gentler curvature, reducing bending losses while still fitting within the housing constraints
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
This configuration enables the efficient integration of fiber arrays into compact optical communication modules, ensuring low loss and mechanical reliability by optimizing the angle and bend radius of the fiber array, thus addressing the space constraints and performance issues.
Implementation Method 1
The silicon photonics device may include a grating coupler
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly may include a platform disposed within a housing that has a limited space. The platform may be tilted by a first angle to fit a fiber array into the limited space of the housing. The optical assembly may also include a silicon photonics device mounted on the tilted platform. The silicon photonics device may include a grating coupler. The optical assembly may also include the fiber array directly coupled to the grating coupler on the silicon photonics device at a coupling position that deviates from a vertical coupling position by a second angle.