Distribution Device Alignment Means for Optical Waveguide Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguide distribution devices face difficulties in correct alignment and connection when forming a system, leading to mechanical stress and reduced packing density.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates alignment and connection means on opposite side walls of each distribution device, allowing for precise horizontal and vertical alignment and connection in a form-fitting manner, enabling easy assembly and replacement without tools, similar to a puzzle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple distribution devices are connected to form a system, then the system can handle more optical waveguides and achieve higher packing density, but correct alignment and connection between devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular distribution devices that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each device contains integrated alignment means that segment the alignment function from the overall system assembly process, allowing precise alignment at the module level rather than requiring precise alignment across the entire system at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment means are introduced as intermediary elements between distribution devices. These alignment means include alignment surfaces and alignment features that mediate the connection process, ensuring that devices align correctly with each other through standardized interfaces rather than requiring direct precision matching between all components.
2Volume of moving object
If distribution devices are connected in a grid pattern to extend housing dimensions, then the system capacity increases, but mechanical stress on optical waveguides increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide path is segmented into discrete sections within each distribution device housing. Connection means are provided at the boundaries between devices, allowing the waveguide to be flexibly routed and connected at standardized interfaces. This segmentation prevents continuous mechanical stress along the entire waveguide length and allows for stress isolation between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means are designed to accommodate parameter variations in the assembly process, including tolerances in positioning and orientation. The alignment surfaces and connection features are dimensioned to absorb mechanical stresses that arise during installation and operation, preventing these stresses from being transmitted to the optical waveguides themselves.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment means are provided on all four side walls, then alignment precision in both horizontal and vertical directions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device housing has an asymmetric design where the first pair of opposite side walls are equipped with alignment means, while the second pair of opposite side walls are left without alignment means. This asymmetric configuration provides sufficient alignment capability for the intended installation orientation while avoiding the unnecessary complexity of equipping all four sides with alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment means are localized to specific regions of the housing where they are most needed for proper system assembly. By providing alignment features only on the first pair of opposite side walls, the design applies quality (alignment capability) locally where it serves the functional requirement, rather than uniformly across the entire device perimeter.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for aligning and connecting adjacent distribution devices (10) is disclosed. At least two mutually opposite side walls (14, 16), which preferably run parallel to one another, of the housing of each distribution device have associated alignment and connection means (17,18). The alignment and connection means associated with the directly adjoining side walls of the distribution devices align in each case directly adjacent distribution devices with respect to one another in the horizontal direction and/or in the vertical direction connect each to one another.