Adjustable Attenuation Fiber Optic Wrap Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic wrap plugs require physical swapping to achieve different attenuation levels for testing fiber optic links, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable attenuation fiber optic wrap plug with a wireless module that receives data to adjust the bend radius of an optical fiber wrap, allowing for electronic adjustment of attenuation levels without physical swapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wrap plugs of different attenuation levels are used, then testing at various distances is enabled, but physical swapping is required which reduces efficiency and increases error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable optical fiber wrap plug where the bend radius of the optical fiber wrap can be dynamically changed through an actuator mechanism. This allows a single plug to provide multiple attenuation levels by adjusting the bend radius, eliminating the need for physical swapping between multiple fixed attenuation plugs and thereby improving testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the optical fiber wrap bend radius to control attenuation levels. By varying the bend radius through actuator movement, the plug can achieve different attenuation values, allowing one plug to replace multiple plugs with different fixed attenuation characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wrap plugs of different attenuation levels are used, then testing at various distances is enabled, but physical swapping increases complexity and error potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wrap plug that can perform multiple attenuation levels through electronic control. The single plug design with adjustable bend radius replaces the need for multiple specialized plugs, simplifying plug management and reducing errors associated with physical swapping while maintaining versatility across different testing scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If manual physical swapping is used, then attenuation level change is achieved, but time is lost and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical swapping operation with an automated actuator system controlled by electronic signals. The actuator automatically adjusts the bend radius of the optical fiber wrap to change attenuation levels, eliminating the need for manual physical swapping and thereby reducing both time loss and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap plug performs self-adjustment of its attenuation level through the actuator mechanism without requiring external manual intervention. The system can automatically change bend radius based on control signals, making the attenuation adjustment process self-service and eliminating time-consuming manual swapping operations.
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
Enables efficient and accurate testing of fiber optic links at various attenuation levels without the need for physical swapping of plugs, reducing errors and improving testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
moving, in response to receiving the initial data, an arm by an actuator to change a bend radius of an optical fiber wrap in the AAFOWP, thus adjusting an attenuation through the AAFOWP
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using an adjustable attenuation fiber optic wrap plug (“AAFOWP”) includes receiving initial data into a wireless module of the AAFOWP, wherein the initial data corresponds to an initial desired attenuation level that the first AAFOWP is to achieve. The method also includes moving, in response to receiving the initial data, an arm by an actuator to change a bend radius of an optical fiber wrap in the AAFOWP, thus adjusting an attenuation through the AAFOWP to the initial desired attenuation level.