Removable Laser Oscillator Optical Section for Field Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser oscillators face challenges in maintainability due to the time-consuming process of replacing damaged optical units, particularly the beam combiner unit, and the risk of damage from dust and moisture, which complicates maintenance in field environments.
Innovation Solution
A laser oscillator design featuring a removably coupled optical section and power source section connected by electric cables, allowing for easy replacement of optical units without the need for on-site fusion of optical fibers, and a sealed housing for protection from environmental hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical units are coupled by fusing optical fibers, then the laser oscillator achieves stable operation, but the maintenance time increases significantly when units need replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The laser oscillator is divided into separable optical units (optical section and power source section) that can be independently replaced. The optical section containing optical fibers and the power source section are designed as modular components connected through removable interfaces, allowing damaged units to be replaced without affecting other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector serves as an intermediary element between the optical section and power source section. This connector enables quick connection and disconnection without requiring fiber fusion, acting as a mediator that simplifies the replacement process while maintaining optical signal transmission.
2Ease of repair
If the beam combiner unit is replaced, then the damaged unit can be restored, but the replacement process requires fusing multiple optical fibers which takes a large amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The beam combiner unit is segmented as part of the optical section that can be replaced as a complete module. Instead of replacing individual optical fibers within the beam combiner, the entire optical section is designed as a replaceable unit with pre-terminated connectors, eliminating the need for on-site fiber fusion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers are pre-fused and pre-terminated at the factory before the optical section is assembled. This preliminary action of preparing fiber connections in advance allows for quick field replacement without requiring fusion equipment or skilled fiber splicing operations during maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If the optical section is exposed to the environment, then maintenance work can be performed in the field, but the risk of damage from dust and moisture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical section is extracted as a separate, self-contained module with its own protective housing. This extracted module can be handled and replaced as a complete unit, protecting internal optical components from environmental exposure during transport and installation while enabling field maintenance through simple connector replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical section is enclosed in a protective housing or shell that seals the internal optical components from dust and moisture. This protective enclosure allows the optical section to be safely transported and installed in field environments while maintaining protection against harmful environmental factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser oscillator includes a first structure disposed with an optical section, a second structure disposed with a power source section, and an electric cable that electrically connects the optical section and the power source section. The first structure is removably coupled to the second structure, the electric cable is removably connected to at least one of the power source section and the optical section, and the optical section is allowed to be replaced.