Expanded Beam Connector Lens Refractive Index Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Expanded beam connectors experience increased signal loss due to misalignment of the expanded signal, leading to performance issues and premature replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that alter the refractive index of the expanding lens in an expanded beam connector using directed light, such as UV or IR, to adjust the alignment of the expanded signal and reduce signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an expanded beam connector uses a lens to expand the light signal, then the signal coverage area is improved, but the signal alignment precision deteriorates causing increased decibel loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the refractive index of the lens material through UV irradiation. This changes the optical properties of the lens to compensate for misalignment, adjusting the refractive index to optimize signal alignment and reduce decibel loss while maintaining expanded beam coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If the expanded signal is misaligned with the intended target, then the signal coverage area is maintained, but the decibel loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the decibel loss of signals passing through the connector and using this information to control UV irradiation of the lens. When misalignment causing increased loss is detected, the system irradiates the lens to alter its refractive index, thereby correcting the alignment issue and reducing decibel loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the refractive index parameter of the lens material through UV irradiation to compensate for misalignment conditions, optimizing signal alignment and reducing energy loss while preserving the expanded beam coverage area.
3Reliability
If a tunable expanded beam connector is implemented to correct performance issues, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the connector to automatically detect and correct its own misalignment issues. The connector includes detection capability to measure decibel loss and UV irradiation capability to adjust lens refractive index, allowing it to self-correct without external intervention and improve reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the connector monitors its own performance through decibel loss detection and automatically adjusts its lens properties via UV irradiation, creating a self-regulating system that improves reliability while managing complexity through automated control.
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
The method effectively decreases decibel loss in the expanded beam connector, potentially extending the lifespan of the connectors and reducing equipment costs by automatically correcting alignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
directing, via a transmitter included in the expanded beam connector and in response to detecting the decibel loss, light at an expanding lens included in the expanded beam connector
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems for altering refractive index of an expanded beam connector lens include receiving signals from an expanded beam connector, detecting a decibel loss of the signals in the expanded beam connector that exceeds a loss threshold, and directing, via a transmitter included in the expanded beam connector and in response to detecting the decibel loss, light at an expanding lens included in the expanded beam connector.