Optical Waveguide Lens Component Fixing Strength via Solder Balls

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing optical waveguide devices face issues with the lens component separating from the wiring substrate due to applied stress when attaching or removing the optical fiber connector, leading to a need for increased fixing strength.

Innovation Solution

An optical waveguide device with an optical-electrical hybrid substrate that includes a wiring substrate, an optical waveguide, and a lens component with conductive members that connect to the substrate's connection pads through solder balls, enhancing the fixing strength by forming solder portions that secure the lens component to the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lens component is attached to the optical fiber connector, then the optical fiber connector can be attached or removed, but large stress is applied between the lens component and the wiring substrate causing the lens component to separate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachability of optical fiber connectorVSAvoidfixing strength of lens component

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical fixing function by using solder balls that simultaneously establish electrical contact between the lens component and wiring substrate while providing strong mechanical bonding. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate adhesives or mechanical fasteners, resolving the contradiction between connector attachability and fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite connection structure combining solder material (for electrical conductivity) with the mechanical interlocking of the conductive member receptacle and connection pad opening. This composite approach provides both the electrical connection needed for signal transmission and the mechanical strength required to resist stress during connector attachment and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If additional connecting members like adhesives or screws are used to increase fixing strength, then the lens component can be securely fixed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing strength of lens componentVSAvoidnumber of connecting members

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solder balls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection between the lens component and wiring substrate, provide mechanical bonding strength to resist stress, and act as positioning elements during assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adhesives, screws, or other connecting members, reducing device complexity while maintaining high fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the mechanical fixing structure by integrating it into the same solder joint. Instead of having separate components for electrical connection and mechanical fixation, the design uses the solder connection itself to fulfill both roles, simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides a robust connection between the lens component and the optical-electrical hybrid substrate, ensuring high fixing strength without the need for additional connecting members like adhesives or screws, while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive member partially accommodated in the conductive member receptacle and configured to connect the component body to the connection pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentUS10466428B2Optical waveguide device and lens component

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 SHINKO ELECTRIC IND CO LTD

AI summary

An optical waveguide device includes an optical-electrical hybrid substrate and a lens component mounted on the optical-electrical hybrid substrate. The optical-electrical hybrid substrate includes a wiring substrate and an optical waveguide on the wiring substrate. An optical path changer is arranged on an end of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes an opening configured to expose a connection pad of the wiring substrate. The lens component includes a component body including a conductive member receptacle at a position corresponding to the opening of the optical waveguide. The lens component includes a conductive member partially accommodated in the conductive member receptacle and configured to connect the lens component to the connection pad.