Optical Component Array Device with Recursive Fiber Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication modules with numerous optical components face challenges in space management, assembly complexity, and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple optical fiber splices, leading to potential reliability issues and increased volume requirements.

Innovation Solution

An optical component array device with an elongate body featuring radially or laterally spaced receptacles for positioning fused fiber optical components, which reduces the need for fusion splicing by using recursive fibers to connect optical components, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of optical components are housed within a communication module, then the functionality and capacity of the module is improved, but the interior volume consumption and housing size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidhousing size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple optical components are integrated into a single optical component array device, which consolidates their functions while reducing the overall volume required. The array device houses multiple components in a compact configuration, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing total space consumption in the communication module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical component array device serves multiple functions simultaneously by integrating various optical components into a single unit. This multi-functional device can handle multiple optical signals, perform different optical operations, and interface with multiple fiber optic cables, thereby improving module functionality without proportionally increasing housing size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of optical components are positioned within a module, then the optical signal processing capability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal processing capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical component array device combines multiple optical components into a pre-assembled unit with integrated mounting structures and alignment features. This merging reduces assembly complexity by allowing the entire array to be installed as a single module rather than individually positioning each component, while maintaining full optical signal processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical component array device is designed as a modular segment that can be independently assembled and then integrated into the communication module. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly of the array itself, while the modular nature facilitates easy installation and replacement in the final system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical fiber splices are used between optical components, then the connectivity between components is achieved, but the manufacturing costs increase and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical component array device extracts and eliminates the need for multiple optical fiber splices by implementing recursive fiber connections within the array. The fibers are configured to recursively connect components without requiring external splicing, thereby reducing the number of splice points and improving overall system reliability while maintaining full connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical component array device acts as an intermediary structure that provides integrated fiber routing and connection management. Instead of requiring separate splice connections between each component pair, the array device mediates all connections through its internal fiber architecture, reducing the total number of splices needed while ensuring reliable connectivity between all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical fiber splices are used between optical components, then the connectivity between components is achieved, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11747579B2Optical component array devices

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to devices, which may be used in communication or optoelectronic modules for example, suitable for arrayed positioning of a plurality of fiber optical components. In one form, an optoelectronic module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and at least one optical component array device including an array of laterally or radially spaced receptacles configured to receive an optical component. One or more of the receptacles includes a fused fiber optical component positioned therein. A recursive fiber may extend between an output of a first fused fiber optical component and an input of a second fused fiber optical component, and an optical fiber routing member may be coupled to the PCB and include a plurality of guides extending away from the PCB and defining a pathway for routing optical fibers relative to the PCB.