Modular Optical Connection Assembly for Network Topology Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enterprises face challenges in balancing network performance and cost, as existing network topologies may not meet evolving goals or customer-specific requirements, and manual reconfiguration of network topologies is impractical and costly.

Innovation Solution

A manually replaceable modular optical connection assembly with predefined arrangements of optical signal conduits allows for cost-effective reconfiguration of network topologies by swapping assemblies with different conduit patterns, enabling flexible and efficient adaptation to changing performance and cost objectives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network topology is reconfigured to meet evolving enterprise goals and customer requirements, then network performance and adaptability are improved, but engineering and manufacturing expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology adaptabilityVSAvoidengineering and manufacturing expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical connection system is divided into modular assemblies, each containing a predefined arrangement of optical signal conduits. These modular assemblies can be independently manufactured and then swapped to reconfigure network topologies, reducing the need for custom engineering of entire systems while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular optical connection assemblies are designed with standardized interfaces that allow them to be used across different network configurations. A single modular assembly design can serve multiple network topology requirements through strategic placement and combination, reducing the variety of unique components needed and lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration of network topologies is performed, then network performance requirements are met, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical connection assemblies are pre-configured with predefined arrangements of optical signal conduits during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site routing and connection work when reconfiguring network topologies—operators simply swap pre-configured modules rather than manually arranging conduits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of network topologies through simple module swapping operations. The modular design allows the network to adapt its topology quickly in response to changing requirements, transforming a previously static, manually-intensive reconfiguration process into a flexible, rapid operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9164250B2Replaceable modular optical connection assembly

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Connectors of a first removable modular optical connection assembly, having a first predefined arrangement of optical signal conduits, are connected to respective connectors on a support structure that are optically connected to corresponding devices. The first modular optical connection assembly is replaceable with a second modular optical connection assembly having a second, different predefined arrangement of optical signal conduits, to change a topology of a network.