Integrating Sphere Optical Measurement Device for Polarity and Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical measurement devices are time-consuming and limited in their ability to accurately measure optical signal intensity and polarity across various optical fiber arrays due to the need for individual fiber coupling and gender-specific alignment, which restricts their usability across different array sizes and introduces measurement uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device equipped with an integrating sphere and multiple photodetectors, capable of receiving optical signals across different wavelengths, and a processor that determines optical intensity and polarity by selecting appropriate data based on signal strength and wavelength, while also analyzing images to assess connector contamination and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional devices couple the optical detector individually to each optical fiber, then measurement precision is maintained, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical detection functions into a single integrated device. The optical detector is configured to receive optical signals from multiple optical fibers simultaneously through a common optical interface, eliminating the need for individual coupling to each fiber. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing measurement time by processing multiple fibers in parallel rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement device is designed with universal functionality to handle different optical fiber types and configurations. The device can measure both pinned and unpinned connectors without requiring gender-specific alignment, and can accommodate various array sizes (e.g., 1x12, 2x12, 3x4 configurations). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing measurement time across diverse applications.
2Reliability
If gender-specific alignment is used to ensure proper connection, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and usability worsen due to needing multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement device achieves universal compatibility with both pinned and unpinned optical connectors through a unified mechanical interface design. The device housing includes a recess that can accommodate either connector type without requiring gender-specific alignment procedures. This eliminates the need for personnel to carry multiple devices for different connector genders, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through consistent coupling mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the device to adapt to different connector genders through complex alignment mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by designing a universal interface that passively accommodates both connector types. The mechanical coupling is designed so that both pinned and unpinned connectors can be inserted and measured without active alignment adjustments, simplifying the device while ensuring reliable measurements.
3Manufacturing precision
If devices are designed for specific array sizes, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability worsens due to inability to test different array configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement device is designed with universal adaptability to test optical fiber arrays of various configurations including 1x12, 2x12, 3x4, and other row-column arrangements. The device housing and optical interface are configured to accommodate different array sizes and geometries without requiring redesign or additional alignment procedures. This maintains manufacturing precision through standardized components while achieving broad adaptability across commercially available array types.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adaptability through adjustable mechanical components that can accommodate varying array configurations. The housing recess and optical coupling mechanisms are designed to flexibly adapt to different fiber array dimensions and patterns, allowing the same device to precisely measure various array sizes without compromising manufacturing precision or requiring gender-specific alignment.
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 and accurate measurement of optical signal intensity, loss, and polarity across diverse optical fiber arrays, reducing measurement time and uncertainty, and allowing for the assessment of connector contamination and type without the need for gender-specific alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an integrating sphere configured to receive one or more optical signals that respectively emanate from one or more optical fibers of a plurality of optical fibers of an optical fiber cable
Implementation Method 2
a first photodetector positioned in the integrating sphere that is optically responsive over a first range of wavelengths... a second photodetector positioned in the integrating sphere and optically responsive over a second range of wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrating sphere-equipped optical measurement device and optical connector polarity and type identification and loss measurement are provided. The optical measurement device includes at least two photodetectors that are optically responsive over different ranges of wavelengths. The optical measurement device receives one or more optical signals emanate from optical fibers of an optical fiber cable. The optical measurement device determines an optical intensity or loss of the one or more optical signals based on a measurement made by a corresponding photodetector whose responsivity range includes a wavelength of the one or more optical signals. The optical measurement device determines one or more respective positions where the one or more optical signals impinged on a sensor. The optical measurement device determines a polarity of the optical fiber cable based on both the one or more positions and one or more or transmitting positions of the one or more optical signals, respectively.