Active Optical Cable Optical Engine Shock Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active optical cables (AOCs) are vulnerable to external physical shocks, which can damage the optical fibers and optical elements, affecting their durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
The active optical cable incorporates an optical engine that covers the optical elements on the PCB portion and includes a structure where the optical fibers are inserted and combined inside the optical engine, providing protection against external shocks. The optical engine features a first lens, a mirror-inclined plate, and a second lens that condense and redirect light through the optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical fibers and optical elements are exposed externally for easy connection and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to external physical shocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds optical fibers within a protective structure consisting of a first protective layer and a second protective layer, creating a nested configuration where the optical elements are shielded from external physical shocks while remaining accessible for connection and maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layers are positioned beforehand to cushion and absorb external physical shocks before they can reach and damage the optical fibers and optical elements, thereby preventing damage while maintaining operational accessibility
2Reliability
If optical fibers are protected from external shocks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first protective layer for initial shock absorption, a second protective layer for additional protection, and connecting structures with bending sections that allow flexible integration. This segmentation provides comprehensive protection while distributing the complexity across manageable components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective layers with connecting structures that have bending sections, merging the protection function with the connection function into an integrated assembly. This merging reduces overall structural complexity by eliminating separate protective components while maintaining reliability
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 effectively protects the optical fibers and elements from external physical damage, enhancing the durability and reliability of the active optical cable while maintaining high transmission speeds and distances.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens that condenses light emitted from an optical element
Implementation Method 2
a mirror-inclined plate that reflects light that passed through the first lens
Implementation Method 3
a second lens that condenses light reflected by the mirror-inclined plate
Implementation Method 4
the optical fiber may transmit optical signals to the PCB portion
Data Source
AI summary
An active optical cable includes a PCB portion connected to an optical cable portion, an optical engine coupled to the PCB portion, and a plurality of optical fibers extending from the optical cable portion, wherein the optical engine is connected to the plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are inserted and combined inside the optical engine.