Fiber Optic Splitter Using Concave Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic splitters face challenges in achieving consistent performance due to variations in the signal mixing region during thermal fusion, leading to high scrap rates and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic splitter assembly using a concave optical reflector spaced apart from the terminal ends of the fibers to uniformly distribute optical signals to multiple receiving fibers, minimizing fabrication inconsistencies and enhancing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermal fusion with twisting and pulling is used to form signal mixing region, then fabrication is simple, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variation in signal mixing region length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermal fusion process (twisting and pulling fibers) with an optical solution using a concave reflector. The reflector passively distributes light from one fiber to multiple fibers through geometric optics, eliminating the need for mechanical manipulation during fabrication and ensuring consistent performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave reflector acts as an intermediary element between the input fiber and output fibers. Instead of directly fusing fibers together, the reflector mediates the optical signal distribution, providing a consistent and controlled light path that is independent of fabrication variations.
2Device complexity
If thermal fusion process is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates due to high scrap rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the unreliable mechanical thermal fusion process and replaces it with a passive optical system using a concave reflector. This substitution removes the source of fabrication variability and scrap rates while maintaining simple device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If fiber twisting and pulling during thermal fusion is performed, then signal mixing region is formed, but manufacturing precision worsens due to length variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of twisting and pulling fibers with a passive optical reflection system. The concave reflector naturally focuses and distributes light without requiring mechanical manipulation of the fibers, thereby eliminating length variation in the signal mixing region.
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 consistent and efficient signal distribution to multiple fibers, reducing scrap rates and costs by ensuring uniform illumination and minimizing fabrication variations.
Implementation Method 1
a concave optical reflector that is operable to receive optical signals from the first optical fiber and to reflect the optical signals towards the one or more second optic fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for distributing signals communicated on fiber optic transmission lines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic communications system includes a transmitter operable to transmit an optical signal, and at least one receiver operable to receive an optical signal. A fiber optic splitter assembly includes a first optic fiber coupled to the transmitter and one or more second optic fibers adjacent to the first optic fiber and coupled to the one or more receivers. The respective terminal ends of the first optic fiber and the one or more second optic fibers are spaced apart from a concave optical reflector that is operable to receive optical signals from the first optical fiber and to reflect the optical signals towards the one or more second optic fibers.