Spliceless Fiber Optic Gyroscope Phase Modulator Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) manufacturing involves splicing optical coils to phase modulators, which introduces polarization errors, decreases reliability, and increases manufacturing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
The method involves splicelessly attaching the ends of the optical coil and light path to the phase modulator by aligning them at non-perpendicular angles and using adhesives to secure them in a non-parallel orientation, eliminating the need for splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If splicing is used to attach optical coils to phase modulators, then alignment precision can be achieved, but polarization errors are introduced and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the splicing process from the attachment method. By removing the splicing step entirely and replacing it with direct angular attachment, the source of polarization errors is eliminated while maintaining alignment precision through the angled geometric relationship between optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric angular attachment where the optical coil is attached at a non-perpendicular angle to the phase modulator. This asymmetric geometry prevents polarization errors that occur with conventional perpendicular splicing, while the angular relationship maintains precise optical alignment between components.
2Reliability
If splicing is used to attach optical coils to phase modulators, then secure attachment can be achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary angular positioning and alignment before final attachment. The optical coil is pre-positioned at the correct non-perpendicular angle relative to the phase modulator, ensuring that a single attachment operation achieves both secure bonding and precise alignment, eliminating time-consuming post-attachment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment angle parameter from the conventional perpendicular (90-degree) configuration to a non-perpendicular angle. This parameter change simplifies the attachment process by allowing direct angular bonding that simultaneously achieves secure mechanical attachment and correct optical alignment, reducing manufacturing steps and time.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional splicing methods are used, then optical connection can be established, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment and attachment operations into a single step. By establishing the angular relationship before bonding, the processes of optical alignment and mechanical attachment are combined into one simultaneous operation, eliminating the need for separate alignment and splicing steps required by conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by attaching components at non-perpendicular angles rather than perpendicular angles. This inverted geometry allows the optical path to be established through the angular relationship itself, eliminating the need for complex perpendicular splicing procedures and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 approach enhances the performance of the FOG by preventing polarization errors and improving reliability, while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
positioning an optical line in proximity to a phase modulator... aligning the end of the optical line with an optical waveguide in the side of the phase modulator
Implementation Method 2
two light beams be launched into the optical coil in opposite directions. Due to an optical phenomenon known as the Sagnac effect, the beam traveling against the rotation experiences a slightly shorter path than the other beam resulting in a relative phase shift
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of attaching an optical line to a phase modulator in a fiber optic gyroscope. The methods include positioning at least one end of the optical line relative to a side of the phase modulator. The end of the optical line may have a first non-perpendicular angle and the side of the phase modulator may have a second non-perpendicular angle. The end of the optical line may be attached to the side of the phase modulator with the end of the optical line being non-parallel to the side of the phase modulator. The optical line may be an optical coil or a light path.