Demultiplexer Module with Anisotropic Spring Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing demultiplexers lack a stable modular structure and simple connection to detector plates, with insufficient resistance to forces transmitted via waveguides, and limited thermal tolerance, making them unsuitable for modern fibre optic applications.
Innovation Solution
A demultiplexer module comprising a carrier plate with a wavelength-selective element, focussing elements, and a fibre optic waveguide, where the waveguide is securely fastened to a fibre stop on the carrier plate, allowing forces to be diverted and maintaining optical element alignment, combined with a detector plate connection system that ensures stability and thermal tolerance through anisotropic spring elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the waveguide is securely fastened to the carrier plate, then the resistance to external forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The demultiplexer is divided into separate functional modules: a carrier plate containing wavelength-selective elements, a focussing member with focussing elements, and a detector plate with detectors. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural integrity and force resistance through the connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system utilizes anisotropic spring elements that provide different mechanical properties in different directions. The spring elements have high stiffness in the vertical direction (providing strong force resistance) but flexibility in the horizontal direction (allowing thermal expansion compensation), thereby changing mechanical parameters to resolve the contradiction between strength and complexity.
2Reliability
If the module is designed for thermal tolerance, then the reliability in varying temperature conditions is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is specifically designed to accommodate thermal expansion effects. The anisotropic spring elements allow differential movement between modules as they expand or contract with temperature changes, preventing stress buildup and maintaining optical alignment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates elastic spring elements that provide dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the optical elements to move slightly in response to temperature changes, maintaining proper alignment automatically rather than requiring rigid fixed-position manufacturing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connection system provides stable alignment, then the optical element alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to self-align optical elements through the mechanical properties of the spring elements. The anisotropic elasticity automatically adjusts positions to maintain optimal optical alignment as components undergo thermal expansion or mechanical settling, eliminating the need for complex active alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements change their physical parameters (stiffness, flexibility) in different directions to provide automatic alignment. The high vertical stiffness maintains position stability while horizontal flexibility allows for thermal compensation, achieving stable optical alignment through parameter variation rather than complex mechanical structures.
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
The solution provides a stable demultiplexer module with enhanced resistance to external forces and thermal fluctuations, ensuring effective signal separation and maintaining alignment of optical elements, thus improving the demultiplexer's performance and adaptability in varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wavelength-selective element and at least two focussing elements, wherein the wavelength-selective element and the focussing elements are arranged such that at least one part of an optical signal coupled in via the input connection firstly impinges upon the wavelength-selective element
Implementation Method 2
at least two focussing elements, wherein the wavelength-selective element and the focussing elements are arranged such that at least one part of an optical signal coupled in via the input connection firstly impinges upon the wavelength-selective element and then upon a focussing element
Implementation Method 3
The connection system is configured such that the carrier plate and the focussing member can be connected to one another in an anisotropically elastic manner
Data Source
AI summary
Multiplexer or demultiplexer module has a carrier plate with at least one wavelength-selective element, at least two focussing elements, a waveguide, preferably a fibre optic cable, for the transmission of an optical signal, which has a signal output or input for coupling the optical signal in or out and collimation optics, which are arranged between signal output and a first wavelength-selective element. In a demultiplexer module, forces transmitted via the waveguide to the demultiplexer module are diverted such that passive adjustment of the optical elements is hardly influenced. The demultiplexer module is connected to a detector plate, can be adjusted with respect to detectors located on a detector plate, and has a high thermal tolerance. The carrier plate has a stop for the waveguide preferably configured integrally with the carrier plate, wherein the waveguide or a coating surrounding the waveguide rests on or is fastened, preferably adhered to the stop.