Modular Optical Communication Device Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As data transfer rates increase, optical communication modules with multiple ports require diverse form factors and configurations, leading to increased complexity and costs in manufacturing and research and development, due to the need for various designs to accommodate different numbers of optical fibers in ribbon cables.
Innovation Solution
A modular device for optical communication modules is designed with a specific edge configuration and electrical circuit channels that align with opto-electrical interfaces, allowing a single modular device design to be used across multiple interface channel configurations, reducing manufacturing and research costs while increasing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different form factors and configurations of optical communication modules are designed to accommodate different numbers of ports, then the number of optical fibers that can be handled increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical communication module is divided into multiple identical modular units, each handling a subset of optical fibers. Each module contains a consistent set of components including opto-electrical interfaces, electrical circuit channels, and housing structures. This segmentation allows the system to scale from 8 to 16 or more fibers simply by adding or removing identical modules rather than redesigning the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modular design where each unit can serve multiple configuration needs. The same basic module design with standardized interfaces and channel layouts can be used across different fiber counts (8, 12, 16, etc.), making the system adaptable to various optical fiber ribbon cable configurations without requiring different form factors for each port count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different form factors and configurations of optical communication modules are designed to accommodate different numbers of ports, then the number of optical fibers that can be handled increases, but the manufacturing and research costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical communication system into identical reusable modules, the patent enables standardized manufacturing processes. Each module can be manufactured using the same tooling, assembly procedures, and quality control protocols, significantly reducing per-unit costs compared to custom designs for each fiber count. The modular approach allows economies of scale in component procurement and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal module design means that a single manufacturing line can produce modules for various fiber configurations. The same housing, circuit board layouts, and interface standards are used across all modules, eliminating the need for multiple specialized production lines and reducing research and development costs associated with designing and validating different form factors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of ports on optical communication modules increases, then more optical fibers can be connected, but the alignment precision required between electrical circuit channels and interface channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the optical communication system into modular units with standardized channel assignments, the patent reduces the alignment complexity. Each module handles a defined subset of channels with fixed physical positions, allowing for standardized alignment procedures. The modular housing and circuit board designs incorporate alignment features that ensure consistent positioning of electrical circuit channels relative to opto-electrical interfaces within each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal module design with standardized interface channel layouts ensures that alignment procedures and tolerances can be consistently applied across all modules. The patent establishes standardized mechanical and electrical interface specifications that guarantee proper alignment when modules are assembled, reducing the need for custom alignment procedures for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular device for an optical communication module configured to be coupled to an optical transmission medium. The modular device may include a first edge and a second edge and N number of electrical circuit channels between the first and second edges. Each electrical circuit channel may include at least one element configured to provide functionality for communicating optical signals through the optical transmission medium. The modular device may also have a width between the first and second edges so that each of the N number of electrical circuit channels of C number of modular devices aligns with one of P number of interface channels of an opto-electrical interface configured to be coupled to the optical transmission medium when C equals P/N and C is a whole number greater than zero.