Composite Optical-Power Module for Smaller Network Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting switches and access points through composite cables require separate optical and electrical ports, hindering miniaturization efforts due to the need for distinct interfaces for optical modules and power connectors.
Innovation Solution
A composite module integrating an optical component for optical-to-electrical conversion and a power supply component for PoE power supply, where both components are housed within a single unit with shared sockets for insertion, eliminating the need for separate optical and electrical ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical ports and electrical ports are provided for connecting optical modules and power connectors, then the connection functionality is reliable, but the panel size increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate optical modules and power supply modules into a single integrated composite module. The composite module includes both optical conversion components and power supply components, allowing optical signals and electrical power to be transmitted through a single composite cable with both optical fiber and copper wire. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical ports and electrical ports on device panels, reducing panel size while maintaining reliable connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides optical-to-electrical conversion, electrical-to-optical conversion, and PoE power supply functionality through a single integrated unit. The composite cable contains both optical fiber for data transmission and copper wire for power transmission. This multi-functionality allows a single port to replace what would traditionally require separate optical and electrical ports, enabling miniaturization of device panels.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate interfaces are provided for optical modules and power connectors, then the connection stability is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate interfaces (optical port and electrical port) into a single composite module interface. The composite module integrates optical conversion components and power supply components, allowing both optical signal transmission and electrical power transmission through a single unified interface. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate interfaces while maintaining connection stability through the integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate optical and electrical ports are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the panel space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate optical modules and power supply modules into a single integrated composite module that can be manufactured as one unified component. The composite cable contains both optical fiber and copper wire in a single structure. This merging enables manufacturers to produce a single integrated module rather than assembling separate components, simplifying the manufacturing process while significantly reducing the panel space required compared to providing separate optical and electrical ports.
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 integration reduces the panel size requirements for switches and access points, facilitating miniaturization by allowing only composite module insertion ports to be provided, thereby streamlining the design and reducing physical space usage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical-to-electrical conversion component, where one end of the optical-to-electrical conversion component is connected to the first optical connector, and the other end of the optical-to-electrical conversion component is connected to the second optical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A composite module includes a housing, an optical component, and a power supply component. A first end of the housing is provided with a first socket, and a second end of the housing is provided with a second socket. The optical component includes a first optical connector, an optical-to-electrical conversion component, and a second optical connector. One end of the optical-to-electrical conversion component is connected to the first optical connector, and the other end of the optical-to-electrical conversion component is connected to the second optical connector. The power supply component includes a first electrical connector, a power supply line, and a second electrical connector. One end of the power supply line is connected to the first electrical connector, and the other end of the power supply line is connected to the second electrical connector.