Laser Emission Power Control for Fiber Connection Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a risk of accidental exposure to high optical power from external light source modules in optical switch systems, which can cause eye safety issues due to the continuous wave laser emission, and existing solutions like integrated hardware designs are costly and difficult to manufacture, necessitating a method to control laser power safely without altering existing form factors.

Innovation Solution

A firmware-based routine that sets the external light source to a low power level initially and transitions to high power only when the continuous wave laser signal is properly coupled to the optics module, using a communication bus to manage the power level and prevent full power emission until proper connection is confirmed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the external light source module is enabled with high optical power for normal operation, then the laser can transmit data effectively, but eye safety issues occur during system initialization when the fiber optic cable may not be properly connected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoideye safety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a power-up routine that checks fiber optic cable connection status before enabling high optical power output. The system performs this safety check during system initialization, ensuring the cable is properly connected before the laser emits high-power signals, thus preventing eye exposure hazards while maintaining reliable data transmission when properly configured

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through a power-up routine that continuously monitors connection status and adjusts laser power output accordingly. The system receives feedback about cable connection status from the optics module and dynamically controls the external light source power level, reducing power when disconnected and enabling full power only when properly connected, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and eye safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a hardware optical assembly integrating the optics module and external light source module is used to prevent direct laser exposure, then eye safety is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser exposure preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a firmware-based power-up routine that acts as a mediator between the external light source module and the optics module. This software-based solution controls laser power output based on connection status without requiring physical integration of components, thereby preventing laser exposure hazards while avoiding the high manufacturing costs and complexity associated with integrated hardware optical assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the proposed integrated hardware optical assembly (mechanical solution) with a firmware-based control system (software solution). The power-up routine uses electrical and optical signaling through existing interfaces to achieve safety control, eliminating the need for costly and complex mechanical integration while maintaining eye safety protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the external light source module operates at full power immediately upon enabling, then data transmission bandwidth is maximized, but the risk of accidental laser exposure to operators increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission bandwidthVSAvoidoperator safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a safety check routine that executes before enabling full power operation. The system performs connection verification and safety assessments during system initialization, ensuring the fiber optic cable is properly connected and operators are protected before maximizing data transmission bandwidth with full-power laser output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12009630B2Method and system for control of laser emissions for safety

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A system and method for safe use of an optics assembly with an external light source and an optically coupled optics module is disclosed. The system includes an external light module emitting a continuous wave laser through an output port. An optics module has an input port and a memory. The optics module generates a modulated optical signal. The memory stores the power level of the continuous wave laser signal received by the optics module. An optical jumper is provided for coupling the output port with the input port. A communication bus is coupled between a controller and the external light source module. The controller sets the external light source at a low power level and transitions the external light source to a high power level when the stored power level of the continuous wave laser signal received by the optics module exceeds a predetermined level.