Optical Waveguide Direction Changing Part
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of optical waveguides is complicated due to the difficulty in forming metal layers on 45-degree inclination parts using methods like sputtering or electroless plating, and the limitation of using only liquid materials for waveguide formation, which restricts the use of film-like materials.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide employs a manufacturing method where metal blocks with inclined surfaces are thrust into the core and clad layers, allowing for a simple process to form optical transmission direction changing parts without the need for precise masking or positioning, and can utilize both liquid and film-like materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal layers are formed on 45-degree inclination parts using sputtering or electroless plating, then optical transmission direction changing parts are formed, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and requires precise masking and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming metal layers on inclined slots through complex sputtering or plating processes, the patent inverts the approach by directly forming the optical transmission direction changing parts with the required inclination during the molding process itself. This eliminates the need for subsequent metal layer formation and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the optical function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the inclination formation in advance during the molding process, rather than attempting to add metal layers to pre-formed inclined slots. By preparing the inclined structure beforehand as an integral part of the waveguide, the need for precise masking and positioning in subsequent metal layer formation is eliminated.
2Ease of manufacture
If liquid materials are used for waveguide formation, then the waveguide can be formed with required structures, but film-like materials cannot be used which restricts material selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the molding material from liquid to film-like solid. By developing a molding method that can process film-like materials, the invention expands material selection flexibility while maintaining the waveguide formation capability. This allows use of materials with different properties such as pre-formed polymer films.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal molding method that can handle both liquid and film-like materials. The molding apparatus and process are designed to be adaptable to different material states, making the manufacturing process more versatile and applicable to a broader range of materials without requiring separate processes for each material type.
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 approach simplifies the formation of optical transmission direction changing parts, reduces processing time, and enables the use of various materials, improving the manufacturing efficiency and flexibility of optical waveguides.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmission direction changing part (14, 15) which penetrates through the core layer (12)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide includes: a first clad layer; a core layer formed on the first clad layer; a second clad layer formed on the core layer; and an optical transmission direction changing part. The optical transmission direction changing part is configured and arranged to change a transmission direction of a light transmitting through the core layer. The optical transmission direction changing part penetrates through the core layer. An optical transmission direction changing surface of the optical transmission direction changing part inclines relative to a predetermined reference plane by a predetermined angle.