Multicore Fiber Active Optical Cable Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation time, space requirements, and cable management difficulties increase with the number of fibers in active optical cables (AOCs) due to their bulkiness, making it challenging to provide compact multi-channel solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multicore optical fiber cable with an integrated optical waveguide structure and optoelectronic converter devices within a connector housing, where the optical waveguides directly couple optical signals between the fiber cores and converter devices, eliminating the need for additional lenses and reducing the cable's diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical fibers are used to provide multiple data communication channels, then the number of communication channels increases, but the cable diameter, installation time, and cable management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate optical fibers into a single multicore optical fiber cable. The connector housing integrates multiple optical waveguides that each couple to a separate fiber core, allowing multiple data communication channels to be transmitted through a single compact cable structure, thereby reducing cable diameter while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple fiber cores are contained within a single cladding, and the optical waveguides are integrated within the connector housing. This nesting approach allows multiple communication channels to be packed into a compact volume, reducing the overall cable diameter while maintaining the ability to transmit multiple independent data channels
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical fibers are used to provide multiple data communication channels, then the number of communication channels increases, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fiber connections into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector housing contains multiple optical waveguides that can be installed as one unit, eliminating the need to separately install and align multiple individual fiber connectors, thereby significantly reducing installation time while providing multiple communication channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-aligned optical waveguides within the connector housing that are factory-configured to match the multicore fiber arrangement. This preliminary alignment work is done during manufacturing, so that during installation, the connector simply needs to be mated with the fiber, eliminating time-consuming field alignment procedures for each fiber channel
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical fibers are used to provide multiple data communication channels, then the number of communication channels increases, but the cable management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical fiber channels into a single manageable cable and connector assembly. The integrated connector housing with multiple optical waveguides allows all communication channels to be connected and managed as one unit, simplifying cable routing, organization, and maintenance while providing multiple independent data communication paths
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
This configuration allows for a more compact AOC that is easier to install and manage, maintaining multiple data communication channels while minimizing space and installation time, as the optical waveguides directly align with both the fiber cores and optoelectronic converter devices, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide structure configured to couple optical signals between the fiber cores and optoelectronic converter devices in a connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
An active optical cable may include a multicore optical fiber, a connector housing, a mateable electrical connector, an array of optoelectronic converter devices in the connector housing, and an optical waveguide structure. The optical waveguide structure is configured to couple optical signals between the fiber cores and the optoelectronic converter devices in the connector housing.