Intelligent Patch Panel Optical Connection Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical fiber systems, incomplete or broken connections between connectors and adapters can lead to reduced system performance or complete failure, as these issues are often difficult to detect, requiring time-consuming inspections and can be caused by fatigue, stress, or damage to the fibers.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection identification assembly comprising connectors, optical filters, and photodiodes that convey and receive optical signals to confirm connection status, allowing for quick identification of broken connections and signals, and an intelligent optical fiber termination system with sensing mechanisms to monitor fiber insertion, signal conveyance, and end contact status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to detect broken optical fiber connections, then system reliability can be maintained through detection, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated optical sensing system. Photodiodes detect optical signals transmitted through the fiber connections, automatically identifying broken or incomplete connections without requiring physical inspection of each connector, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary carrier to transmit connection status information. Instead of directly inspecting physical connectors, the system uses optical signals that pass through the connections to be detected by photodiodes, enabling indirect but rapid detection of connection integrity
2Productivity
If automated optical sensing mechanisms are installed in the patch panel, then connection status detection speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the patch panel structure. The panel simultaneously provides mechanical support for connectors, guides optical signals through the connections, and houses photodiodes for detection, eliminating the need for separate inspection equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite adding sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural components with the sensing components. The patch panel structure itself serves as the optical signal pathway, with photodiodes integrated into the panel body, combining mechanical support and optical detection functions into a single unified device
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 rapid detection of connection issues, improving system reliability by automating the identification of optical fiber connection problems and reducing the need for extensive inspections, thereby preventing performance degradation and failures.
Implementation Method 1
The first photodiode may be configured for receiving an optical signal from the first optical filter to confirm the optical connection identification assembly is receiving optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection identification assembly includes first and second connectors for conveying optical signals within and away from the optical connection identification assembly, first and second optical filters configured for conveying optical signals to and from the respective first and second connectors and between each other, and first and second photodiodes. The first photodiode is configured for receiving optical signals from the first optical filter to confirm the optical connection identification assembly is receiving optical signals. The second photodiode is configured for receiving optical signals from the second optical filter to confirm the optical connection identification assembly is receiving optical signals. The first and the second connectors are on opposite sides of each of the first and the second optical filters and each of the first and the second photodiodes. Multiple optical connection identification assemblies are used in a system to prepare a connectivity map of a fiber optic system.