Optical Connector Interlock Circuits for Laser Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser devices cannot individually detect disconnection abnormalities of optical fibers and opening abnormalities in optical connectors, making it difficult to determine the specific abnormal state and set appropriate recovery means.
Innovation Solution
The laser device incorporates pairs of disconnection detection lines, open detection lines, and temperature detection lines within the optical connector, allowing for individual detection of disconnection, opening, and temperature abnormalities, with distinct alarm notifications and recovery settings based on the detected state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple sensors are connected to a single interlock circuit as one closed loop circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but it becomes impossible to determine which specific abnormal state has occurred among multiple detectable abnormal states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single interlock circuit into multiple independent detection circuits, each dedicated to detecting a specific abnormal state (fiber disconnection, connector opening, temperature abnormality). This segmentation allows each circuit to independently identify its specific abnormal state while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate detection circuits as mediators between the sensors and the final control system. These intermediate circuits process and identify specific abnormal states before transmitting signals to the interlock mechanism, enabling precise abnormal state identification while maintaining circuit simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a single interlock circuit is used for multiple abnormal states, then the device structure is simplified, but appropriate recovery means cannot be set for different abnormal states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recovery control system into multiple independent control paths, each associated with a specific detection circuit. This allows the control system to selectively activate appropriate recovery means based on the specific abnormal state detected, while maintaining overall device structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic recovery control mechanism that can adaptively select and activate different recovery means based on the detected abnormal state. This dynamic adaptation enables appropriate recovery actions for each abnormal state without requiring a fixed complex structure.
3Reliability
If disconnection detection lines are placed inside the optical connector, then disconnection abnormalities can be detected, but the optical connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disconnection detection lines with the existing optical connector structure by integrating them into the connector body. This integration allows disconnection detection functionality to be added without significantly increasing overall structural complexity, as the detection lines share the same physical space and mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector is designed to serve multiple functions: optical signal transmission and disconnection detection. By making the connector multi-functional, the patent adds detection capability without requiring separate dedicated structures, thereby minimizing the increase in overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser device includes a light source that outputs a laser beam; an optical fiber that propagates the laser beam; a cable coating in which the optical fiber is inserted; an optical connector connected to a tip of the cable coating; a pair of disconnection detection lines, including a first disconnection detection line and a second disconnection detection line, where a first end portion of the first disconnection detection line and a first end portion of the second disconnection detection line are located inside the optical connector and are electrically connected inside the optical connector; a pair of open detection lines including a first open detection line and a second open detection line, where a first end portion of the first open detection line and a first end portion of the second open detection line are disposed inside the optical connector and are electrically disconnected inside the optical connector; and a determination portion to which a second end portion of the first disconnection detection line, a second end portion of the second disconnection detection line, a second end portion of the first open detection line, and a second end portion of the second open detection line are connected.