Wavelength-division multiplexing device passive alignment fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength-division multiplexing devices, particularly those using thin-film filters, require complex active adjustment and assembly processes between optical fibers and lenses, leading to inefficient assembly and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength-division multiplexing device with a fastener featuring optical fiber positioning holes and filter mounting grooves, allowing for passive alignment and integration of optical fibers and filters, along with a lens for collimation or convergence of light rays, simplifying the structure and assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active adjustment and assembly are performed between optical fiber and lens, then alignment precision can be achieved, but assembly complexity increases and assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming positioning structures (positioning holes in the fastener, positioning grooves on the optical fiber, and corresponding positioning protrusions on the lens) during the manufacturing process. These positioning features are built in advance to ensure precise alignment, eliminating the need for complex active adjustment during assembly. The positioning hole and groove配合 create a predetermined alignment path that guides the optical fiber and lens into correct relative positions automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through self-aligning mechanisms where the positioning structures on the fastener, optical fiber, and lens work together to automatically establish correct alignment. The positioning groove on the optical fiber fits into the positioning hole of the fastener, and the positioning protrusion on the lens engages with the positioning groove, creating a self-aligning system that requires no external active adjustment during assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for mounting optical fiber and filter, then adjustability is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple mounting functions into a single unified fastener structure. The fastener combines the optical fiber mounting function (via positioning hole), the lens mounting function (via lens mounting hole), and the filter mounting function (via filter mounting groove) into one integrated component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining all necessary adjustability features through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions and secures the optical fiber, mounts the lens, and provides the filter mounting groove. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mounting components for each optical element, reducing structural complexity while preserving adjustability through the various integrated positioning and mounting features.
3Productivity
If passive alignment is implemented through integrated positioning structures, then assembly efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structures (holes, grooves, and protrusions) are pre-formed with precise dimensions and tolerances during the manufacturing process rather than during assembly. This preliminary action transfers the precision requirement to the manufacturing stage where it can be controlled through standard manufacturing processes, enabling passive alignment during assembly without requiring ultra-precise manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated positioning structures create a self-aligning system where the geometry of the positioning hole, groove, and protrusion automatically guides the components into correct alignment. This self-service mechanism reduces assembly complexity and improves efficiency, while the precision requirements are managed through the manufacturing of the positioning features rather than through complex assembly procedures.
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 design significantly improves assembly efficiency and reduces the number of elements required, resulting in a more cost-effective and simplified wavelength-division multiplexing device with enhanced optical transmittance and structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
the lens disposed between the optical fiber and the filter may be configured to: collimate the light rays emitted by the optical fiber, or converge collimated light rays and then input the converged light rays into the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the filter may be configured to transmissively transmit or reflect light rays emitted by the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a wavelength-division multiplexing device and a communications device. The wavelength-division multiplexing device may include a fastener, optical fibers, a filter, and a lens. The fastener is provided with an optical fiber positioning hole and a filter mounting groove, the filter mounting groove is disposed on a side of a tail end that is of the optical fiber positioning hole and that is away from an opening of the optical fiber positioning hole, and the filter mounting groove and the tail end of the optical fiber positioning hole are spaced apart. The optical fiber may be installed in the optical fiber positioning hole, the filter may be installed in the filter mounting groove, and the filter may transmissively transmit or reflect light rays emitted from the optical fiber.