Displaceable Optical Pathway for Hot-Swappable Backplane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data transmission systems in industrial automation face challenges in facilitating the insertion and removal of components under power while maintaining continuous data transmission, particularly when multiple modules need to be replaced, as current solutions like active switches or ring implementations are costly and limited in their ability to handle multiple missing modules.
Innovation Solution
A serial optical data transmission system with displaceable optical pathways that bias towards a serial optical data bus position upon removal of monitoring and/or control modules, ensuring continuous data transmission between remaining modules, and return to their original position when modules are reinserted, using a spring-based mechanism and sensing circuitry for alignment and loss compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active components such as switches on the backplane are used to maintain connection between modules, then connection between modules is maintained, but additional cost is added and the system is limited to specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active switching components from the backplane and replaces them with a passive optical pathway system. The optical pathways are designed to automatically maintain connections through mechanical displacement and spring-loaded mechanisms, eliminating the need for electronic switches and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical pathway mechanism that physically bridges the connection between modules. This intermediary system uses displaceable optical pathways with spring-loaded contacts to maintain continuous optical connections during module insertion and removal, replacing the need for active electronic switching components.
2Reliability
If ring implementation such as DLR protocol is used to maintain connection between modules, then connection is maintained, but connection is facilitated only for one missing module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical connection system into multiple independent displaceable optical pathways, each capable of independently adapting to module presence or absence. This segmentation allows any number of modules to be removed or inserted simultaneously, with each optical pathway independently maintaining connections, thereby providing unlimited adaptability compared to ring implementations that handle only single module failures.
3Ease of operation
If modules are removed and inserted in traditional optical systems, then module replacement is achieved, but data transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning displaceable optical pathways in a ready state with spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically engage with module connectors. When modules are inserted or removed, the optical pathways are already positioned to maintain continuous optical connections, eliminating transmission interruptions that occur in traditional systems where connections must be reestablished.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing optical pathways that maintain uninterrupted optical data transmission during module replacement. The spring-loaded displaceable pathways continuously engage with module connectors, ensuring that data transmission proceeds without interruption even as modules are physically replaced in the system.
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 insertion and removal of modules under power with maintained optical data transmission, reducing manufacturing costs and heat dissipation, and providing robust connections even with multiple missing modules, while supporting high-speed serial fiber optic backplanes.
Implementation Method 1
using a spring-based mechanism and sensing circuitry for alignment and loss compensation
Data Source
AI summary
A serial optical data transmission system is provided. The serial optical data transmission system includes a displaceable optical pathway disposed adjacent to a slot configured to receive a first monitoring and/or control module. The optical pathway is biased towards a serial optical data bus position for transmission of optical data to or from at least one second monitoring and/or control module when the first monitoring and/or control module is removed from the slot. Further, the optical pathway is displaced from the serial optical data bus position when the first monitoring and/or control module is in the slot.