Fiber Optic Terminal Compensation Rings for Split-Ratio Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic couplers and splitters have fixed power level splits, requiring multiple SKUs, increasing manufacturing and inventory costs, and lack flexibility for network adjustments due to changed circumstances or power level adaptations.
Innovation Solution
Fiber optic terminals with variable ratio couplers and compensation rings allow for adjustable power level splits, using a tool to change the split ratio of optical outputs, reducing the need for multiple SKUs and enhancing network flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed power level split couplers are used, then manufacturing and inventory costs increase due to multiple SKUs, but the device provides stable and reliable optical power distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed coupler into a variable ratio coupler with adjustable split ratios. The device includes a rotation mechanism that allows the coupler to dynamically change its power distribution ratio, enabling a single device to replace multiple fixed SKUs while maintaining adaptability for different network configurations and loss budgets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single coupler device that can perform multiple functions with different split ratios. The variable ratio coupler can be adjusted to provide various power distribution ratios (e.g., 50:50, 70:30, 90:10), making one universal device replace multiple specialized fixed ratio couplers, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed ratio couplers with different power splits are manufactured, then network adaptability improves for different loss budgets, but device complexity and inventory SKUs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to create a single coupler that can dynamically adjust its split ratio to match different network loss budget requirements. Instead of manufacturing multiple fixed ratio devices, the invention enables one device to adapt its behavior dynamically, reducing SKU complexity while maintaining full network adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the coupler's power distribution parameter (split ratio) to be variable rather than fixed. The device includes adjustment mechanisms that change the optical coupling parameters, enabling the same physical device to operate at different split ratios (e.g., 50:50, 60:40, 70:30) to accommodate various loss budgets without increasing inventory complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed power level split couplers are used, then manufacturing is simpler with standard SKUs, but flexibility to adapt to changed network circumstances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by adding adjustable mechanisms to the coupler that allow operators to change the split ratio in response to network requirements. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling operational flexibility, as the same manufactured device can be adjusted rather than requiring different manufactured SKUs for different network configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the coupler with adjustment capabilities and detent mechanisms that allow operators to quickly set and lock in desired split ratios. This preliminary preparation of adjustment mechanisms enables easy operational flexibility without complicating the basic manufacturing process, as the adjustment features are integrated into the standard device design.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic terminal having a variable ratio coupler that is adjusts power ratio splits using a rotating compensation ring along with related methods. In one embodiment, a compensation ring for a variable ratio fiber optic coupler includes a ring body and at least one arcuate slot within the ring body operable to receive at least one locking fastener. The compensation ring also includes a shaft opening within the ring body, where the at least one arcuate slot at least partially surrounds the shaft opening, the shaft opening defines an inner surface, and the inner surface includes a plurality of detent receiving features.