Universal Optical Waveguide Trays with Sloped Elastomer Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece processing systems face challenges in accommodating optical waveguides of varying sizes and shapes without contaminating sensitive nanostructures, necessitating multiple dedicated trays, which complicates production and storage.
Innovation Solution
A universal tray design featuring sloped elastomer-coated fingers that minimize contact with nanostructures, combined with a retention mechanism for vertical support, allowing for stacking and flipping, and optional shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unique trays are designed for each optical waveguide type, then the nanostructures are protected from contamination, but the device complexity and storage burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tray design with standardized dimensions (330mm x 160mm) that can accommodate multiple optical waveguide types through a common pocket structure. The tray features 8 pockets arranged in two rows of four, with each pocket sized (60mm x 40mm) to universally hold various waveguide form factors without requiring type-specific trays, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating pockets with specific dimensional characteristics (60mm x 40mm) within the universal tray that are optimized for holding optical waveguides. The pockets provide localized protection zones with appropriate depth and spacing to prevent nanostructure contact, while the overall tray maintains universal compatibility across different waveguide types
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated trays are stocked for different formats, then each waveguide type can be handled without contamination, but production efficiency decreases due to the wide range of trays required
Solution Approach 1:
The universal tray consolidates multiple format-specific trays into a single standardized design, enabling back-end production lines to handle diverse optical waveguide formats using one tray type. This eliminates the need to stock and manage multiple dedicated trays, streamlining production workflows and improving efficiency while maintaining contamination prevention through standardized pocket designs
3Ease of manufacture
If standard JEDEC tray size is used, then manufacturing and handling are simplified, but accommodation of non-standard waveguide sizes becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts the standard JEDEC tray size (330mm x 160mm) for ease of manufacturing and handling, while incorporating 8 standardized pockets (60mm x 40mm each) that can accommodate various non-standard waveguide sizes and shapes. This hierarchical approach maintains the benefits of standardization at the tray level while providing adaptability at the pocket level through uniform dimensions that work across different waveguide form factors
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 tray effectively holds diverse optical waveguides without damaging nanostructures, enabling efficient handling, inspection, and secure stacking for transport and shipping while reducing the need for multiple trays.
Implementation Method 1
The top surface of each finger is sloped downward and comprises an elastomer. In this way, the workpieces contact the fingers along their edges and any nanostructures disposed on the workpiece are not contacted.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for carrying workpieces, such as optical waveguides, is disclosed. The tray includes a plurality of openings, each opening having a plurality of fingers extending toward the center of the opening. The top surface of each finger is sloped downward and comprises an elastomer. In this way, the workpieces contact the fingers along their edges and any nanostructures disposed on the workpiece are not contacted. Further, in some embodiments, the tray is stackable and includes a retention mechanism located on the bottom side of the tray. The retention mechanism on a first tray serves to secure the workpiece disposed on a second tray positioned directly below the first tray. The tray may optionally be used for shipping and other purposes.