Field-Configurable Optical Splitter for Flexible Network Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication networks face complexity and cost issues due to the need for multiple couplers with different splitting ratios, requiring numerous unique parts for manufacturing, inventory, and installation, which increases costs and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A field-configurable optical device with a housing, splitter, and multiple couplers, each with a different power split ratio, featuring sets of split-ratio selection ports that allow for the establishment of various power splitting ratios by connecting input and pass-through fibers to specific ports, reducing the need for multiple part numbers and enabling flexible configuration in the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple couplers with different splitting ratios are used in optical communication networks, then the desired signal splitting functionality is achieved, but the number of unique parts for manufacturing, inventory, and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical device that can perform multiple splitting ratio functions (90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40) within a single housing. The device contains multiple couplers with different splitting ratios that can be selectively activated through external fiber connections, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and reduce inventory complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the optical device's splitting ratio functionality through external fiber connections. By changing which coupler inputs and outputs are connected via external fibers, the device can dynamically switch between different splitting ratio configurations without physical replacement of components, providing adaptability while maintaining a fixed physical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple couplers with different splitting ratios are used, then various power splitting ratios are achieved, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coupler components with different splitting ratios into a single integrated housing. By combining 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 60/40 couplers into one device, the patent reduces the total number of unique part numbers that manufacturers must produce and inventory, thereby lowering manufacturing and inventory costs while maintaining diverse power splitting ratio options.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal optical device provides multiple power splitting ratio options within a single product SKU, eliminating the need for manufacturers to maintain separate inventory for each splitting ratio variant. This multi-functionality approach reduces manufacturing complexity and inventory carrying costs while providing customers with flexible configuration options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple couplers with different splitting ratios are used, then different splitting ratios are achieved, but installation flexibility and labor efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables field-reconfigurable installation by allowing technicians to change the splitting ratio configuration through external fiber connections rather than requiring pre-configured fixed devices. This dynamic reconfiguration capability increases installation flexibility and labor efficiency, as a single device can be adapted to different network requirements on-site without returning to the manufacturer or replacing entire devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical device into multiple independently controllable coupler units within a single housing. Each coupler can be independently selected and activated through external fiber connections, allowing flexible configuration of splitting ratios during installation. This segmentation enables installation personnel to choose the appropriate splitting ratio for each specific application scenario without being constrained by fixed pre-configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Field-configurable optical devices and methods are disclosed. In one example, a field-configurable optical device includes a housing defining an enclosure, a splitter disposed within the enclosure and having one or more splitter inputs and a plurality of splitter outputs, and a plurality of couplers within the enclosure. The field-configurable optical device includes a plurality of sets of split-ratio selection ports located at an exterior of the housing. The plurality of sets of split-ratio selection ports and the plurality of couplers are configured such that the power split ratio of the field-configurable optical device is established by connecting an input optical fiber to the coupler input port of a selected set of split-ratio selection ports, and connecting a pass-through optical fiber to the coupler pass-through port of the selected set of split-ratio selection ports.